Good news for Hen harriers in Northumberland

[DOXHOPE]

A nest of five hen harrier chicks that were being watched by various bodies up here in Northumberland, have ALL turned out to be females..Excellent news as the Northumberland population of these birds was down in female numbers. All birds have been recently fitted with tracking devices which can transmit up to 65 kilometers....

[deer boy]

Great news lets hope they all reach adulthood & have there own broods

[ChrisJB]

I've seen plenty of hen harriers over the years and all but two of them have been females! A shame really because the males are a stunning moorland denizen.

Regards, Chris

[DOXHOPE]

Yip, Ive seen more males than females up here, lovely birds, but in a place where 3 nesting females have been shot over the last two years, a few more hens are a welcome addition that we are all excited about..

[RobSutton]

Originally Posted by ChrisJB

I've seen plenty of hen harriers over the years and all but two of them have been females! A shame really because the males are a stunning moorland denizen.

Regards, Chris

If the habitat is good a male hen harrier can be polygamous with two or three females on nests in different parts of his range.

[ChrisJB]

Originally Posted by RobSutton

If the habitat is good a male hen harrier can be polygamous with two or three females on nests in different parts of his range.

True. I believe that goes on in good years in Bowland.

Regards, Chris