A male Montagu’s harrier identified as “AU” by conservationists has successfully bred at a secret location on English farmland for the second year in a row, producing six fledgling chicks. The bird mated with two different females and maintained two separate nests simultaneously. The RSPB reported that four chicks were produced at the same location in the previous year.
Montagu’s harriers face severe conservation challenges in the UK. The species was designated to a “red list” of birds most at risk in 2021 following a dramatic decline in breeding success. Successful nesting attempts dropped from nine in 2011 to zero between 2020 and 2024, making the current breeding season a significant development for the species’ survival in the country.
Conservation efforts have been intensive, involving close collaboration between the RSPB and the farmers whose land hosts the nesting sites. Protective fencing has been installed around the nests to guard against ground predators such as foxes. The birds display distinctive feeding behavior, with males dropping prey in mid-air for females to catch in their talons while inverted.
To better understand juvenile harrier development, the RSPB fitted two of the newly fledged chicks with satellite tags this year—a first for the species. These tracking devices will provide data on migration routes, wintering locations in Africa, and whether young birds return to the UK in their first or second year. This information is expected to enhance protection strategies.
Climate change poses an additional threat to the species. Earlier harvests on agricultural fields where harriers nest increase the risk of inadvertent nest destruction by farm machinery. The RSPB has urged birdwatchers to report sightings of the young harriers to support ongoing conservation monitoring efforts.
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