MARSH HARRIER

There was a time, not so long ago, when Marsh Harriers would be very tricky to encounter in midwinter. In this age of climate change, though, they regularly spend the whole winter in the country. March is one of the best months for witnessing the incredible skydancing display. You may first become aware of it, when you hear some weird yelping calls coming from above in the early hours of daylight. You look up and strain your eyes, and you may see, high above, a dancing Marsh Harrier, usually a male: with slow-mo rowing wingbeats, throwing itself into crazy dives and vertical recoveries. It is one of the great joys of spring!