Another Couple of Hours with the Marsh Harriers

12th March 2022

Time for another couple of hours with the Marsh Harriers to see how they are progressing with their nesting arrangements. Very quiet when we arrived so just need to settle down and wait. Luckily there is normally a supporting cast and today was no exception.

A couple of Snipe were feeding in the damp margins but at first difficult to see and photograph due to the length of the cut reeds, their camouflage and some of the area being in shade.

But then the harrier action started. On our last visit on the 23rd February only the female was present and apparently the male hasn't been seen at all yet. Today there were two birds present, both female-type birds and still no sign of the male. One of the birds was an obvious female and probably one of the usual breeding pair and was very active.

The second bird, although having the general appearance of a female had a couple of features worthy of further investigation. On the upperparts all the wing coverts had pale fringes indicating a young bird although one of the inner secondaries on the right wing hadn't been moulted and therefore this was a 3CY bird.

The underside view shows a very pale grey head and a distinct dark trailing edge to the wing. The bird is also one of the uncommon "barred" variants as can be seen by the barring on the rear half of the wings across the primaries and secondaries. These photos have been reviewed and the consensus is that this bird is a 3CY male, and since these photos have been taken has been seen taking material to the nest.

This raises two issues. Firstly, what will happen if and when the original male returns to the nest site? And secondly will this young inexperienced bird be successful in its first breeding year?

WATCH THIS SPACE!!!!