The clocks have gone forward. It is lighter in the evening. We all hope that spring is in the air. But, spring is not the only thing that may be in the air!
The RSPB is asking walkers, postmen, farmers, milkmen, birdwatchers, in fact anyone who's out and about in the uplands of northern England to report any sightings of one of England's rarest birds of prey, the hen harrier.
The 2009 appeal for sightings of hen harriers has been launched in a bid to find out where these birds are trying to nest in northern England. Hen harriers are one of the least familiar but most spectacular of the UK's birds of prey. The male bird performs a magnificent aerobatic display or ‘sky dance' in spring and provides food to his mate in spectacular food passes.
Peter Robertson, the RSPB's Conservation Manager in Northern England, said: 'It's great to enjoy watching and listening to birds such as curlews and skylarks while you're outdoors, but we are again asking outdoor enthusiasts to look out for hen harriers.
'Hen harriers have already been seen in Northumberland and at the RSPB's Geltsdale reserve on the Northumberland/Cumbria border, but sightings from members of the public are vital to help us find new birds and new nesting areas. In 2008, reports of hen harriers received via the hotline contributed information that helped us monitor and protect these rare birds.'
It is estimated that the heather moors of England should have around 200 pairs of nesting hen harriers, but in 2008 there were only ten successful nests in England. The majority of these were in the Forest of Bowland in Lancashire. The most successful nest outside Bowland was in Northumberland, where five chicks fledged. However, birds could appear and attempt to breed on any of the north's moorlands.
Peter added: 'Sadly, hen harriers are all too often the victims of illegal killing or their nests are illegally destroyed. If we receive information about the location of birds, we can monitor their progress and help to protect nests. People can also report suspected incidents of killing or disturbance, which we will investigate.'
Harriers are smaller than a buzzard and larger than a crow. They have long wings and long tails. They are often seen hunting low over the ground. Male and female harriers have strikingly different plumage. Male has silver-grey upperparts, white underparts and black wing-tips. The female is larger and is dark brown with buff markings on wings and a long grey-brown tail with a white band at the base.
Reports of hen harriers can be made to the Harrier Hotline on 0845 4600121 (calls charged at local rate). Details can also be e-mailed to henharriers@rspb.org.uk. Reports of sightings should include the date and location of sighting, with a grid reference where possible.