UK's rarest bird of prey rears new chicks in secret location

The UK's rarest bird of prey, the Montagu's harrier, successfully raised a new generation of six chicks in a secret location for the second consecutive year, according to the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB). The male bird, known as AU by conservationists, mated with two females, resulting in the nests' successful hatching.

Montagu's harriers were classified as a "red list" species in 2021, with their numbers dwindling from nine successful nests in 2011 to none between 2020 and 2024. The RSPB spokesperson expressed their delight at the six flying juveniles this year, calling it a significant milestone in their conservation efforts. Four of these chicks hatched in the same hidden location as last year.

To ensure the nests' protection, the charity collaborated with farmers, erecting fences to deter ground predators like foxes. The male harrier diligently worked to feed his two nests of hungry chicks, exhibiting impressive feeding behavior by dropping prey mid-air for the female to catch in her talons. For the first time, two of the chicks were fitted with satellite tags, aiming to gather crucial information about their migration patterns, lifespan, and nesting habits.

This data will aid in better protecting the rare birds from inadvertent nest destruction due to climate change and shifting agricultural practices. Conservationists have urged birdwatchers to report any sightings of the young harriers by contacting the RSPB's Montagu's hotline at montys@rspb.org.uk.