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Swaledale Birds
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Harrier Wing Tags
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Since 1998, juvenile Hen Harriers from the Forest of Bowland, Lancashire, have had coloured tags attached to their inner wings. One colour indicates the natal area and the other, the sex of the bird, which is important to distinguish between juveniles and females. Each tag has the same letter/number on both tags and this enabels an individual bird to be identified. This has been done in co-operation with United Utilities, the R.S.P.B. and the B.T.O.
Initial sightings and recoveries of birds tagged from 1998-2000 have been on the Lancashire coast and the Yorkshire dales. These were followed by sightings in Norfolk and the Essex and Thames marshes through the autumn and winter months as shown on the map below - click on the thumbnail to view an enlarged image.
Reporting of sightings is very important because it helps to give information about the movements and habitats used by Hen Harriers away from the natal area. Repeat sightings are just as important, to give information about length of stay and the longevity of birds.
In 2001, there was no ringing or tagging of Hen Harriers because of the restrictions caused by Foot and Mouth Disease. However, in 2002, English Nature started a 3-year project with Hen Harriers. This has included ringing, wing-tagging and in some cases, radio-tracking some of the juveniles.
In 2002, there was successful fledging in Bowland (United Utilities/RSPB - 6) and (Abbeystead - 4); Geltsdale, Cumbria (RSPB/EN - 2); Yorkshire Dales (National Park/EN - 6) and Cornwall (EN - 4). All these juveniles were fitted with wing-tags as shown in the 2002 diagrams at the top of the page.
Any sightings should give as much information as possible, including location with OS grid reference; date, time and weather; colour of left and right wing-tags, with any identification number/letter, and, any information about habitat and the birds activity. Repeat sightings are important.
If you have seen any hen harriers carrying these, then please contact
David Sowter
5 The Grove, Penwortham, Preston PR1 0UU
01772 749220 or 07957 265297
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The above birds are all from The Forest of Bowland
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