Hen Harrier at Redbournbury

15th December 2020

It was on the 6th December that a ring-tail Hen Harrier was first seen quartering the marshy area by the River Ver at Redbournbury, and is still there 9 days later suggesting it is going to over-winter rather than just passing through. Up until now most of the photographs taken were on dull and gloomy days, but today is sunny so into position and keep our fingers crossed that the bird will make an appearance.

Although the harrier is known to be loyal to this site and generally makes a few appearances each day, it is also known to roam over a large area including all the neighbouring crops, but after a couple of hours it appeared from the north and proceeded to fly low over the ground towards us.

Once over the pool in front of us it suddenly dived into the Juncus, presumably after prey, and didn't re-emerge. I had expected it to take a few minutes to eat its prey and then continue on its journey. However, after at least half an hour it still hadn't re-emerged and had therefore decided to have a preen or a nap. Either way it was an exciting five minutes of action.