I have visited the Bowland area several times over the last couple of years, including an RSPB Hen Harrier safari, but never been lucky enough to see a Hen Harrier there though I have seen several in France. I now learn that there are no Hen Harriers breeding in Bowland this year and that only one of the birds tagged over the last several years is still transmitting. This is a tragic state of affairs. It would seem that the RSPB's "Hen Harrier Project" has totally failed to protect these wonderful birds. In our hearts, we all know what fate has befallen them on surrounding grouse moors. Why is the RSPB not making a huge fuss about this??
From the info I have seen via local birders there has been some success with Merlin,Peregrine and Buzzard and the famous Eagle Owl,not sure how confirmed the details are.
Pete
Birding is for everyone no matter how good or bad we are at it,enjoy it while you can