The Northumberland Hen Harrier Nest Watch 2009 is now live! I have been in post for two days (as the Northumberland Hen Harrier Nest Watch Site Coordinator) and I've been reliably told that a male and a female hen harrier have been spotted on the North Tynedale moors. I managed a quick visit to the site yesterday – no harriers I'm afraid – but I'll have a more thorough look today. Hopefully we'll see some skydancing soon.
For those unfamiliar with hen harriers, skydancing is a mid-flight tumble, dive and swoop that the male performs to attract a mate. Last year, the first skydance was seen on 9 March and nest-building began four weeks later so I should see some courting action any day now. More on skydancing and the nest watch project soon…