Our magnificent reserve has a history with British Hen Harriers with the old Silt Lagoons regularly hosting the only roost in south west Essex and London during the 1970's and 1980's (I was going to say inside the M25 but it was not even built then!). From then on sightings dwindled and since 1990 there have been under fifty records of this most elegant of raptors across the marsh and in some years not a single bird is seen. Late April and early May seems to have become a good time to chance in on one and only in the winter of 2010- 2011 did a female actually stay on the reserve and put in regular appearances.
Gorgeous isn't she? (Les Harrison)
Martin Harper has blogged this morning on the RSPB's stance on this issue... It is well worth a read.
And if you want a heartfelt plea to tweak your conscience then please also have a look at the blog a young naturalist from Northern Ireland called Dara
We're losing our Hen Harriers and we want them back!
And so...
On Saturday 6 August RSPB Rainham Marshes is hosting an event organised by Birders Against Wildlife Crime to mark Hen Harrier Day 2016 – to celebrate Hen Harriers and publicise their plight.
We'd like to invite you to join us for this rally, featuring speeches from Chris Packham, Mark Avery and others, including Charlie Moores from BAWC and RSPB Chief Executive Mike Clarke.
Please feel free to make your own placards and banners - the more the merrier!
The event runs from 11 am until approximately 12:30. Entrance is free via our Purfleet Visitor Centre. We're anticipating a busy day and are urging people to use public transport. Easy access from the C2C line from London or Essex. Get off at Purfleet train station which is just a 15 minute signposted walk along the river to the reserve.
Please register here to let BAWC know that you are planning to attend - https://www.facebook.com/events/245744769149300/?ti=cl
And share the day via Twitter #HHDay2016 @HHDayLondon #RSPBRainham
Howard Vaughan, Information Officer
thanks Clare... the more the merrier
Just to let you know I'm planning to attend, though I'm not on Facebook and I don't know how to let BAWC know I'm attending. I must also say that I'll be driving as using public transport will more than double my planned journey time. Sorry.
Our herring gulls are red listed birds. Think about that the next time you hear some flaming idiot calling for a cull of them.