I've always been fascinated by birds of prey. Could it be their huge variety in hunting tactics? what about the incredible agility many show in flight? some flying so fantastically and almost dangerously close to the ground- like the marsh harrier or hen harrier?......................... what about the various ways they hunt? or the efficiency they manage this?
It could also (sadly) be the way that so many have been unfairly persecuted, or declined due to other human actions. The way that some, like the hen harrier, are only just hanging on from extinction as a British breeding bird.
Photo...Chris Gomersall
But then again, it might also be the fantastic success stories that some species boast in terms of their recovery and future hope, enabled in part through the RSPBs work and in turn made possible by every one of our supporting members that make up the public voice. Take, for example, some examples of our case work including ospreys and the osprey project, or the reintroduction of red kites.
Whatever combination of these it may be, it was certainly great to see the various raptors and their activity over the weekend at Greylake even from just the car park. A hen harrier (female/ juvenile) flew over and round the car park on multiple occasions, showing off perfectly the white ring on its rump and it's flattened owl-like face created by that disc of stiffer feathers. On one occasion the low light shone onto it perfectly, illuminating its face as it flew straight towards us; another time to the north west of the car park it flew low to the water covering the fields, scaring up and giving short chase to some of the ducks resting there. Up to three marsh harriers were also seen, at times hunting similarly over the same fields and further afield beyond the main hide, together bringing up large flocks of teal, wigeon, and snipe. Then finally there was the merlin, smallest of the birds of prey yet a compact killer all the same, sat resting in a nearby willow and showing its beauty for a good long time.
Your membership could help these and many other incredible birds, along with other wildlife in danger of extiction like the Sumatran tiger. Not only do we benefit through your donations of time and money, but also through our membership numbers that are vitally important and give weight to our political voice. If you're struggling for a Christmas present for AS LITTLE AS £3 A MONTH then look no further, and give a gift of RSPB membership.
Alternatively you could check out the RSPB online shop for other gift ideas.