Hen harriers return to glens after breeding during lockdown
AN iconic bird of prey is returning again to “empty” glens where it was feared to be on the verge of disappearing.
Four hen harrier chicks fledged successfully from a nest in the Angus Glens during lockdown, reversing breeding fortunes for the raptor in the region in recent times.
It is four years since harriers reared young in the local glens, with a returning pair of birds breeding successfully.
However, since that nest was found and monitored by the local raptor study group, the adult birds have failed to rear chicks in three consecutive years, to the disappointment of land managers.
Now the wait for new chicks is over with a different pair successfully breeding during lockdown on a mixed estate in the glens which welcomes visitors for grouse shooting and deer stalking.
The success was recorded by licensed monitor, Mike Groves, who observed the youngsters while respecting the wishes of the estate gamekeeper to allow the birds peace to nest, with minimal disturbance.
“For a few years, in another nest in Angus, the same pair of harriers have been trying to breed without success. I, and others, were beginning to wonder if we would see chicks in the Angus Glens again,” said Mr Groves, who has been monitoring raptors in the area for decades.
“This is a historic moment. This is a different pair of adult birds. When I spoke to the estate, they were aware the harriers were there and understandably wanted to keep it low profile, which I had sympathy with.
“Personally, I believe in minimum disturbance to give the birds the best chance.
“When you visit nests, it places immense stress on the adults and they don’t settle for a while afterwards.
“Thankfully, as of yesterday, all the young were flying. It is wonderful to see. It is a stepping stone for harriers in this area.
“Some people make comments online saying that the Angus Glens are desolate. The estates are proud of the wildlife they produce. All around, I see attitudes changing. This is an example of that.”
Scientists on the multi-party Langholm Moor Demonstration Project found that breeding hen harriers benefit from grouse moor management by gamekeepers but campaigners blame grouse estates for persecuting the birds because they eat red grouse.