Fight for flight: Battling to protect UK’s most persecuted bird of prey
What is a hen harrier?
It’s a mediumsized bird of prey, smaller than a common buzzard and much slimmer
with a longer tail. Its breeding grounds are mainly the uplands of Northern England, Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland and the Isle of Man, but they can often be found in lowland areas during the winter months where they can form communal roosts. They prey on small birds and mammals and can take red grouse chicks, hence the conflict with moor managers.
What makes them distinctive?
Both sexes have a prominent white rump, which is more noticeable in the female and immature birds who are mainly brown, whilst the male birds are mainly grey-blue. The adults have striking yellow eyes, set in an owl-like facial disc. The males are often known as the “ghost of the moor” for their habit of appearing and disappearing in the mist.
Why is their preservation so important?
They are the UK’s most persecuted bird of prey. Many people will not see one in their lifetime due to low numbers and limited distribution. It’s an iconic bird, worthy of conservation in its own right, but is also now a symbol of a movement against the general decline of moorlands.
How have people been able to get involved with the charity’s work?
Hen Harrier Action was initially created to continue to support and organise Hen Harrier Day events. We have a network of volunteers who have organised their own events, attending in costumes, with banners and home-made creations. Young people, such as Sunnyside Primary School in Glasgow, have created some fabulous videos.
How is the population faring?
Whilst the results of last year’s Hen Harrier National Survey are being hailed as positive by some organisations, the UK population remains very low, at only a quarter of what their potential number could be given the habitat available. In Scotland, it’s estimated there are 529 territorial pairs, which is an increase of 15% since the last survey carried out in 2016. This means that Scotland supports 77% of the population. The West Highlands, Hebrides and Orkney continued to provide a stronghold for the birds, as their population remains low on parts of the mainland due to continued persecution. There is room for optimism, however, with a change in the laws in Scotland requiring shoot owners to be licensed to operate, with a threat of that licence being repealed if illegal persecution and other negative land management practices are undertaken.
What kind of threats do hen harriers face?
Data retrieved from satellite-tagged birds proves that illegal persecution continues to restrict population recoveries of this species. The majority of this occurs where intensive driven grouse moors are located and includes shooting, poisoning, nest destruction, intentional disturbance and the targeting of the birds at their winter roost sites. Other factors are also at play, including loss of habitat through uncontrolled heather burning, overgrazing, the maturation of nesting forests and the proliferation of wind farms.
What’s planned for this year’s annual Skydancer Day?
It’ll be transmitted live from the RSPB’s Insh Marshes Reserve, near Kingussie in the Cairngorms National Park. The presenters will showcase some of the positive work that is being undertaken within the area, winners of our Young Wild Writers competition and live interviews. It’s extremely important that we bring young people along with us to protect our precious wildlife and the environment. We need the next generation to carry on fighting for our environment and we need to help those who care to bring their peers on board. That is why we believe in promoting young conservationists and encouraging them to progress with their campaigns and careers.
What is the event named after?
In the breeding season, the birds perform a beautiful aerial display know as “skydancing” which has inspired many writers, poets, musicians, filmmakers and dancers. The male birds perform this display flight in early spring to attract a mate. It’s a rollercoaster flight where the birds climb steeply, turn over in the air, and plummet earthward before swooping back up and repeating.
How have the events helped over the years?
Public awareness has definitely increased. I inwardly smile when I stop and chat to people when out walking who tell me about the issues – it’s hugely rewarding to know that all sorts of people are walking around having these discussions. It has also put a spotlight on the shooting industry which continues to deny that raptor persecution exists in its industry, citing that it’s only “a few bad apples”. People aren’t buying that defence any more, and rightly so.