How Are the Harriers Getting On?

7th February 2024

A pair of Marsh Harriers usually breed at Fowlmere each year and normally appear some time during February. However this year there have been sightings during January, which is very early, so time for a visit to see how they are getting on.

I made my way round to the Reedbed Hide which affords by far the best view across the reedbed, and more importantly always has the light behind you, so now just need to settle down with a cup of tea and wait. I could see the Barn Owl tantalisingly inside the box but after about half an hour the sun had warmed up and the owl ventured out onto its veranda for a spot of sunbathing.

Then on the mown ride on the other side of the mere a couple of Fallow Deer appeared, although one disappeared almost immediately into the reedbed. Managed to grab a couple of shots of the remaining one before another appeared crossing the ride. I wonder just how many deer there are on site during the day?

Then the show began when the female took to the air for a fly round the territory. No attempt at hunting here, just a few laps to stake her claim before she went and sat in her favourite tree,

What graceful birds.

Then it was the turn of the male. This bird arrived in 2022 and caused some confusion because ot its aberrant plumage. It is one of the scarce "barred" variants, so called because of it barring across the primares and secondaries which can be seen clearly here. It also has an orangey-brown tail instead of a grey one. It was then aged an a 3CY (3rd calendar year) bird so now a 5CY.

Here you can see that the orangey-brown tail has some grey on the central tail feathers which was not there last year.

What magnificent birds and fingers crossed for a successful breeding season.