Blogger: Adam Murray, Communications Officer

Visitors to the RSPB's Titchwell Marsh Reserve are currently being treated to the annual spring spectacular sky-dancing routines performed by one of the UK rarest breeding birds. Marsh Harriers are a true conservation success story. Once extinct as a breeding bird in England due to habitat loss and persecution, they have made a spectacular comeback. Although they are still rarer as a breeding bird in the UK than the golden eagle, it is now possible to see them all across our region.  They are sleeker and slightly larger than buzzards and distinguished from other birds of prey by their long tails and the shallow V in which their wings are held as they glide.  

Courtship is spectacular with male birds looping the loop and spinning through 360 degrees as they tumble from hundreds of feet up. Males will often release food in mid-flight with females turning upside down to catch it in their talons. For such a large and magnificent bird with a wingspan of appx 5 feet, they are surprisingly light in weight and even a big female only weighs about the same as a jar and a half of jam.

Dave Hawkins of the RSPB said, "This large wingspan coupled with a low weight gives the birds plenty of lift and is one of the main reasons they are able to perform their famous sky dancing routines". Dave went on to say, "Sky dancing is simply breathtaking and relatively easy to see at Titchwell Marsh during April. "It's not necessary to book on a guided walk to see them. Staff in the visitor centre can direct you to the lookout points along the path where you should be able to see them. If successful, why not finish your day with coffee and  cake from the servery!"

 

Photo Credits: Andy Thompson