 Three of the hen harrier chicks will be fitted with radio transmitters |
A round-the-clock guard on the Cumbrian nest of a pair of rare birds of prey has resulted in a baby boom. The endangered hen harriers at the RSPB Geltsdale nature reserve near Carlisle, have successfully reared five chicks.
A team of local volunteers and reserve wardens has kept a guard since the birds started nesting in May.
Conservationists believe that without this level of protection the harriers would have been at risk of being shot or their eggs destroyed.
Illegal killing
In the past, incidents of illegal bird of prey persecution have occurred in the area, including the poisoning and shooting of birds of prey.
Illegal killing is considered the principal reason why hen harriers are absent from almost all areas of suitable moorland in northern England.
Statistics compiled by English Nature and the RSPB show that harriers are the most persecuted bird in England.
RSPB Geltsdale reserve warden, Dave O'Hara, said: "The breeding pair were first-time nesters and we were not optimistic that they would be successful, so for them to rear five chicks is an amazing achievement.
"We are especially grateful to all the local people who volunteered to help with the round-the-clock nest guard, their enthusiasm and dedication has been vital to the success of this nest."
The RSPB and English Nature have fitted three of the harrier chicks with tiny radio transmitters so that their movements can be closely monitored in future.
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