Farmers hold the key to finding Monties in the East

Fears for a population of rare birds of prey have increased in the east of England today as conservationists issue a plea for information. The RSPB is asking farmers across the region to inform them of any sightings of Montagu's Harriers. The birds nest on the ground in arable crops so, with harvest upon us, timing is of the essence.

Male Montagu's Harrier, Denmark (Photo: Morten Scheller Jensen)

This summer, the birds did not return to their usual site in Norfolk, prompting a regional search over the past week which has so far successfully located a pair in Lincolnshire. Encouraged by this, the RSPB hopes that others will be found. Simon Tonkin, RSPB's Farmland Conservation Officer, said, "we are lucky enough to have nearly half of the UK population of these birds here in eastern England. Year on year they have returned from Africa to nest in the same place, but this year it appears at least one pair has moved and we are desperate to try and locate the other pairs."

He added, "Montagu's Harriers are quite obvious birds, with the male being a spectacular black and grey raptor often seen quartering low over arable fields. At this time of the year, nests will contain chicks and we are desperate to find them before the harvest."

In comparison to the related Marsh Harrier, Montagu's are slightly smaller birds of prey with a slimmer, more elegant appearance. They have long, slender wings and a long tail, and fly over farmland with their wings held in a low V shape. Females essentially look like smaller, more slender versions of female Hen Harriers. In flight, they look more agile and buoyant than Marsh and Hen Harriers.

Female Montagu's Harrier, Minsmere RSPB, Suffolk (Photo: Douglas McFarlane)

Simon continued, "It is a busy time of year for farmers, especially with the weather improving, but we really need their help. Conservationists and farmers have built up a good relationship in recent years, with the RSPB working with more farmers to help them adopt wildlife-friendly measures on their farms. We really need their help to find these missing birds."

If you have seen a Montagu's Harrier, please get in touch with Jim Scott at the RSPB on 01485 545261. Due to the sensitive nature and rarity of the species, it is important that sightings — particularly if at or near a nest site — are not released publicly, and we strongly recommend ringing the hotline number above.