The Hen Harrier's Year

Description

Most British birds of prey have largely recovered from historical persecution, but the beleaguered Hen Harrier is still struggling and remains far less common than it should be. This is a particular shame, because it is one of our most inspiring raptors. Spectacular sky-dancing displays and balletic food passes from male to female brighten up the moors in summer. And in winter, communal roosts in the lowlands attract birders from far and wide to catch sight of this now-elusive species. This book follows the Hen Harrier over a year: from rearing young hidden away in dense heather, to the fight for survival in the harshest months of winter. Interspersed among the monthly accounts are chapters on the history and status of this iconic bird, as well as an overview of one of the most intractable conflicts in modern conservation: the Hen Harrier’s liking for grouse moors (and the grouse that are raised there) wins it few friends among shooters, and ongoing persecution continues to hamper its recovery. There are tentative signs of progress, but its fate as a breeding bird in England hangs in the balance. Evocative illustrations, in part based on privileged access to the handful of breeding birds that remain on England’s moors, showcase the Hen Harrier’s exploits through the seasons. These will delight admirers of this species and hopefully foster a greater interest in its wellbeing. The Hen Harrier needs all the help it can get. The Hen Harrier’s Year Half Title Page Title Page Copyright Dedication Contents Foreword by Roger Riddington Acknowledgements Introduction JANUARY Communal roosting Distribution in winter FEBRUARY Hunting behaviour Foraging range from roost sites Winter habitats HISTORY AND STATUS IN BRITAIN The long decline Seeds of recovery? MARCH Breeding habitats Setting up territory First-time breeders APRIL Food in early spring The skydancing display Vocalisations Copulation and nest-building Nesting in trees MAY Incubation and hatching Legal protection and nest visits Polygynous breeding JUNE The food pass Nestling development and brood reduction Food in the breeding season CONFLICT ON THE GROUSE MOORS A unique situation Driven grouse shooting The role of science and technology The killing fields Possible solutions and a way forward? JULY The growing brood Foraging range from the nest Moult AUGUST First flight Towards independence Breeding productivity SEPTEMBER Wanderlust – movements and migration OCTOBER The benefits of communal roosting NOVEMBER Winter food Daily food requirements THREATS AND SURVIVAL Land management Poisoning Collisions and disturbance Deaths from natural causes Life expectancy DECEMBER Visiting a communal roost Influence of weather conditions THE WIDER PICTURE World status Prospects for the future Also available from Pelagic Further reading Sources of further information Species mentioned in the text Index Back Cover