I Wonder How The Harriers Are Getting On?

8th February 2026

Marsh Harriers have been breeding at Fowlmere for several years now and have traditionally returned to the site during late February/early March. However during the last two years they have returned much earlier in January so time for a look to see how they are getting on.

The first sighting of the female this year was on the 31st January (Peter Kenyon) and the second on the 7th February (Ade Cooper), but still no sign of the male.

The female was still present today from first light and caught a prey item on site at 10.15am (Jan Michalec).  The prey item was partially eaten but from the size and the dark feathers it was probably a Moorhen. When I arrived at 10.30am she was sitting in her favourite bush next to the old nest.

She did have a few short flights around the reed bed, but soon landed again on her bush or in the reeds.

Let's hope the male is OK and will arrive soon.

Also good to have a catch-up with Chris Kenyon, Ade Cooper, Roy Balne and Laura, and to meet Andrew Parish, and thanks to Chris Kenyon, Ade Cooper and Jan Michalec for the additional information.