Many people talk about the hen harrier problem - but we are often talking at cross-purposes.
As far as we can tell, in England, there were only six successful hen harrier nests in 2009 - so we regard the hen harrier problem as being the lack of these birds. To hear some people talk, hen harriers are everywhere, overrunning the countryside and gobbling their way through red grouse and wildlife like nobody's business. Those half a dozen English pairs must get around rather a lot!
This summer one of those six pairs nested in a cereal field in southern England - not in the more usual moorland location. The RSPB was involved with Natural England in protecting this nest - we worked with the farmer concerned and the police. Just in case the birds return next spring I won't say any more about this pair except to celebrate its existence and to thank all who played a part in its protection.
John Swift, Chief Executive of the British Association for Shooting and Conservation, said: “A bad winter has left the hen harrier population even more vulnerable than before – this means that everybody must concentrate on doing what they can to ensure that the moorland habitat continues to be well managed and that persecution is confined to history.". Well said John - we await others to speak out in the same vein.
And, one more time, as we edge our way ever closer to the 200,000 signatures on our bird of prey pledge - please sign it!
A love of the natural world demonstrates that a person is a cultured inhabitant of planet Earth.
Mark - I am sat here with tears as I type this - I cannot believe that this magnificent bird is on the brink in England - only this morning I posted on Twitter that I was watching a male hen harrier hunting at the back of the house and then flew over the garden - something I am indeed priviledged to see quite frequently. Not only at home but also at Loch Frisa, home to our sea eagles Skye and Frisa where we also have sightings of both male and female hen harrier. Many people who visit have never seen a hen harrier, indeed some have not heard of them before but all go away with great admiration for this beautiful bird of prey and most add their signature to the Bird of Prey Campaign. I hope its not too late. And to repeat Mark's request, please,please, please sign the pledge www.rspb.org.uk/.../birdsofprey