Rare Montagu’s Harrier Chicks Take Flight in UK After Six-Year Absence
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📰 The quick summary: Four Montagu’s harrier chicks have successfully fledged in an English wheat field, marking the first breeding success for Britain’s rarest bird since 2019.
📈 One key stat: After reaching a recent high of nine successful nests in 2011, Britain’s Montagu’s harrier population saw no fledging successes for six consecutive summers until now.
💬 One key quote: “We are overjoyed that a pair have returned, they managed to find each other and through the close protection of a dedicated farmer and the RSPB have managed to raise four youngsters,” said Mark Thomas, species lead for Montagu’s harriers at the RSPB.
1️⃣ The big picture: Four Montagu’s harrier chicks have successfully taken flight in an English wheat field, representing the first breeding success for Britain’s rarest bird in six years. The fledglings were closely monitored by conservationists and the local farmer, with special protective measures taken to ensure their survival. Adult harriers migrate annually between sub-Saharan Africa and Europe, facing numerous threats including agricultural practices that often destroy their nests. Through collaborative conservation efforts between the RSPB and a dedicated farmer, these rare birds received critical protection during their vulnerable nesting period.
2️⃣ Why is this good news: This successful breeding represents a potential turning point for Montagu’s harriers in Britain after years of population decline. The Anglo-French parentage of the chicks (male from Britain, female from France) offers genetic diversity that strengthens the species’ resilience. Conservation techniques like protective fencing proved effective in safeguarding the nest from predators. The close collaboration between conservationists and farmers demonstrates how agricultural land can support rare wildlife when managed thoughtfully. Since adult harriers often return to successful nesting sites, this breakthrough raises hopes for establishing a more permanent population in coming years.
3️⃣ What’s next: Conservationists will continue monitoring the young birds as they feed and gain strength before migration. The RSPB hopes this pair of harriers will return to the same site next summer, potentially establishing a regular breeding territory. With continued protection and collaboration between farmers and conservationists, more breeding pairs might be attracted to suitable habitats across Britain.
Read the full story here: The Guardian – First Montagu’s harrier chicks born in UK since 2019 take flight
