Montagu's Harrier sightings hotline opens

The RSPB is encouraging farmers, birdwatchers and walkers to keep a look out for Montagu's Harriers, the UK's rarest breeding bird of prey, this spring and summer as the breeding season commences.

In 2016, five pairs of Montagu's Harrier are known to have nested in England (in Norfolk and south-west England). It is essential that the small number of breeding attempts made this year are identified and protected from accidental damage, disturbance or persecution to give them the best possible chance.

The core population of Montagu's Harrier usually returns to the same nesting areas each year. The RSPB has been working successfully with these landowners for more than 30 years; however, it is important that any new or unknown nests are located. The species arrives in the UK in May, before returning to Africa in August. The species is also encountered on passage, particularly along the south and east coasts of England.

Data from tracked individuals has shown that these elegant raptors spend the winter in Senegal, West Africa. In 2014 an adult male Montagu's, named Mark, was tagged in south-west England allowing the RSPB to follow the migration route these birds of prey take for the first time. Since then a further three individuals have been tagged. Mark arrived back on his home territory on the early date of 18 April, while Roger arrived on the Dorset coast on 29th and the two females' appearance on British shores is imminent. You can keep up to date on Twitter (@UKmontagus).

Mark Thomas, who leads on Montagu's Harrier conservation work for the RSPB, said: "Farmers and birdwatchers can really help with the conservation of this threatened species. Now is the best time to witness the adults' airborne courtship before they establish their crop nests and become difficult to spot. If you are fortunate enough to see these breathtaking birds then please contact the hotline to let us know."

A pair Montagu's Harriers on breeding territory in England (Photo: RSPB)

Montagu's Harriers are striking birds — they are larger than a Kestrel with long wings and a long tail giving them a slender appearance. The males are plain grey, with black wingtips and a white underside. The females are mottled brown with a white rump. They breed in the south-west and east of England on lowland farmland, particularly winter cereals, oilseed rape and field silage.

Any possible sightings of Montagu's Harrier can be reported to the hotline on 01767 693690 or emailed to montys@rspb.org.uk. Details should include the date, six digit grid reference if possible and a contact telephone number. All reports to the hotline will be treated in the strictest of confidence.