Marsh Harriers at Fowlmere

25th April 2023

The purpose of today's visit was to see how the Marsh Harriers were getting on, but also to see how spring migration was going. Well migration was well underway as on my way to the Reedbed Hide I encountered both Chiffchaffs and Blackcaps singing. 

But what was rather special was a singing Willow Warbler. Willow Warblers used to be common in this part of the country both as migrants and breeding birds, but now they are quite scarce. They still pass through on passage but nothing like the old numbers and I not sure that any stay to breed. Basically they have moved north and are far more common in the north of England and Scotand.

Outside the Reed Bed Hide the male Reed Bunting was sitting quietly in his favourite Elder bush but not singing which is normally an indication that the female is on eggs. They will start singing again once the young have fledged.

So what is happening with the harriers? Well the male put in several appearances and left the sight to hunt, but when he returned never brought in any prey for the female so no food passes. The barring on his wing is still very evident.

However, a second male put in an appearance when the resident male was away and circled the reed bed for at least five minutes before departing. The bird had a damaged left leg which trails blow the bird when he flies. This is probably the same bird that occasionally visited the site last spring which also had a trailing leg.

However, it is also noticeable that it has severe damage to its right wing which could not have been sustained at the same time as the leg because the damage to the wing must have been caused since its last wing moult last autumn. I wonder whether the damage has been caused by gunshot.

Just look at that wing.

I was only in the hide from 12.30-2.30pm which is not ideal as most of the harrier action is in the morning and it was noticeable that the female was not seen at all so may be on eggs but it is worrying that the male did not bring in any food. So basically it is not at all clear what is happening with the harriers at the moment so watch this space.

PS: I have since been informed that the male has been seen bringing in food and there have been food passes so hopefully all is OK. Fingers crossed!!!