Britain’s rare breeding bird, the Montagu's Harrier, raises chicks for first time in six years

Rare Montagu’s harrier chicks take flight in Englland's wheat field (Image: RSBP)

Among swaying golden wheat, a rare sight took shape. Four young Montagu’s harriers spread their wings and lifted into the summer air. For England’s rarest breeding bird, this is a welcome success.

First successful fledging in six years

The chicks were raised on a private farm after months of careful protection. Tall predator-proof fencing surrounded the nest, keeping foxes and farm machinery away. Conservationists from the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds worked closely with the landowner throughout the season.

England’s Montagu’s harrier population is extremely small compared with Spain and France. Nesting on farmland exposes them to constant threats. Combine harvesters, crop sprayers and predators have caused repeated losses. No chicks had survived to fledge here for six years.

Conservation and farming in harmony

The harriers returned from sub-Saharan Africa earlier this year. Once a drone confirmed the nest, fencing and cameras were installed. Farmers marked the area with flags so harvesters avoided it. Surprisingly, the birds appeared unbothered by the machinery passing nearby.

The farmer welcomed the loss of crop for the sake of the birds. He called it a reward for decades of conservation work. The young males already show the species’ distinct battleship grey feathers. Their flight carries new hope for the harrier’s future in Britain.