For the first time in nearly 8 years, marsh harriers have successfully bred at Fen Drayton Lakes. After months of watching with baited breath, two fledglings were spotted on Thursday.
The marsh harriers have also been very considerate in their choice of breeding site – the fledglings can be seen from our new welcome shelter, look across Holywell Lake. Currently the fledglings are spending a lot of time in the trees at the back of the reedbed. The fledglings can be distinguished from their parents with their dark brown plumage and bronzed head.
This pair adds to the nearly 400 breeding pairs in the UK, mainly in eastern and south-east England.
However, the story hasn’t always been so positive.Marsh harriers suffered massive declines during the 18th and 19th century, largely due to drainage of wetlands and persecution.
The marsh harriers suffered a second blow during the 1950s and 60s as they were one of several species which were unintended victims of new organochlorine pesticides introduced to farms as a method of pest control. These chemicals built up in the food chain and proved lethal to marsh harriers. Some of these chemicals were also linked to thinning egg shells, resulting in unsuccessful nests.
The banning of these chemicals and better legal protection and habitat management for marsh harriers has allowed population numbers to recover and the species was downgraded to Amber listed.
Please send us any photos of the fledglings – we would love to see them!