hen harrier

[CWH]

During the spring and summer we've had regular sightings of adult male and female hen harriers around the neighbouring crofts. Now we have a couple of juveniles and I've been watching one of them all day today, crossing within about 5 metres of the house and on one occasion being harassed by about 12 to 20 rock doves. One of the neighbours managed to get this stunning photo a few days ago. They've been identified by the expert at www.skye-birds.com as a recently fledged female and a first summer male - both have ringtail plumage until the male develops his adult plumage which is very different and really very special to see, especially in the gloaming.
It's just come past the window again - I think it may be thinking about hunting off our bird feeder!

 

[CazPaul]

Wonderful, we get some up here on the moors regularly, aren't they beautiful birds.
They have suffered with a lot of persecution over the years, what a shame.

 

[AnnB]

What an amazing garden sighting!

 

[The Coops]

Have you seen the aerial passing of food yet? It beats any RAF air show!

 

[CWH]

Not with these guys, but we were sitting out over coffee a week or so ago watching 7 white-tailed eagles for about half an hour, and two of those were passing food.

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[The Coops]

We have them here in the Trough of Bowland and they are great to watch when you can find them!