{
  "id": 4460611,
  "title": "The UK’s rarest bird has a new top-secret nest – but here’s where you can go to photograph them, albeit with “extreme” caution",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/30/the-uks-rarest-bird-has-a-new-top-secret-nest-but-heres-where-you-can",
  "topic": "science",
  "section": "Science",
  "published": "2026-08-30T15:20:00.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Digital Camera World",
    "slug": "digital-camera-world",
    "url": "https://www.digitalcameraworld.com/photography/nature-and-wildlife-photography/the-uks-rarest-bird-has-a-new-top-secret-nest-but-heres-where-you-can-go-to-photograph-them-albeit-with-extreme-caution"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "The UK’s Montagu’s harrier, a rare bird species, has nested in a top-secret location for the second consecutive year, according to the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB). These slender, pale-gray raptors, commonly referred to as \"Monties,\" have struggled with low breeding numbers in the country, reaching a peak of 9 nests in 2009. However, no breeding pairs have been recorded since 2020, leading to concerns about the species' long-term survival in the UK.\n\nThe secrecy surrounding the nesting site aims to prevent a large influx of birdwatchers from disturbing the birds. Meanwhile, in Spain, photographers can observe Montagu's harriers using specialized hides, following strict guidelines to avoid disturbing the nest. SEO BirdLife, a conservation organization, reports that the highest number of breeding Montagu's harriers in the European Union was recorded in Spain in 2017, with between 4,269 and 5,360 individuals. This number has since declined by 27% since 2006, raising alarms among conservationists.\n\nSouthwestern regions of Spain, including Extremadura and La Janda, are popular sighting spots for Monties. However, unguided visits to these areas are discouraged without the expertise of a trained guide. In the UK, the likelihood of a significant Montie population capable of safe photography remains low. Nevertheless, ongoing conservation efforts by organizations like the RSPB offer hope that the situation may improve in the future. For those interested in bird photography, the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB) recommends checking out the best cameras and lenses for capturing wildlife.",
  "summary": "Montagu’s harriers, Britain’s rarest bird of prey, have successfully nested in a secret location – but in Spain, these birds can be photographed under “extreme” caution, say conservation groups",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}