Birds of prey increase/decline?

[Jersali]

Hi,
delighted to capture this Short eared owl, first time in years I've been close enough to photograph locally without having to travel miles to even see one.
I've noticed some BOP seem to be doing well (Buzzards, Marsh Harriers), whilst Hen Harriers that I used to see every Winter seem much rarer visitors, is this just SE Kent or more widespread?
Al

[Adam Cheeseman]

That's pretty much a good precis of how they're faring nationally.

Cheers,

Adam

[Farplace]

Short-eared are my favourate native owl (although I love them all)....

[aeshna5]

There seems to have been a good influx of Short-eared Owls this autumn. Some 50 were seen coming off the sea at Titchwell in a day a few weeks ago. Numbers tend to be cyclic + dependent on a good breeding season for voles + other small mammals.

I gather quite a few northern owl species have had a good breeding season with bumper rodent numbers.

Hen Harriers aren't doing as well as they should be in part to illegal persecution on grouse moors. Marsh Harriers in contrast are at an all time high + Buzzards have spread considerably in recent years.

Many species of raptor are doing well though the Kestrel is now amber listed due to a noted decline in numbers though is still widespread.

[Jersali]

Thanks all for replies
Al