Another spell of cold weather and snowfall on the Geltsdale Fells last week seems to have stalled any developments on the hen harrier front here. From our observations, it seems that only one ring-tail was adventurous/brave enough to venture (briefly) up onto the moorland. There are, however, still at least three harriers roosting at a nearby site – hopefully just waiting in the wings for the right conditions..?
There have been plenty of other interesting birds around the reserve though. We’ve had the first merlin of the spring up on the fells, though there are, as yet, very few meadow pipits or skylarks to prey on. There has been a big influx of waders, with lots of lapwing and curlew on the lower ground, and already good numbers of golden plovers up on the tops. Around our Tarn, a number of barnacle and pink-footed geese have dropped in for a spell, and we still have our long-staying drake smew – ‘displaying’ with some goldeneye this morning! A pair of barn owls have also taken up residence in the nest box in our office loft, and can be watched on our video monitor during the day.
Apparently the forecast is for some milder (and less tempestuous) weather this week. Hopefully this will encourage hen harriers up onto the higher moors to prospect for suitable nesting areas. So, fingers crossed that I’ll have more harrier news to pass on next time…