Marsh Harrier

[ducati]

Sighting at Auckengill. Male yesterday and we have seen the female previously. Anyone else seen them locally?

[smithp]

At the risk of being a patronising ediot (apologies) have you not seen a hen harrier?

[ducati]

Hiya, yes we have Hen Harriers as well. This caused some consternation untill we finally found it on the RSPB site. We are pretty sure though.

[fudge100]

I have been a practicing falconer for roughly coming on 11years, and yes i believe you did see a hen harrier. I first saw one six years ago at john o groats, it was quartering the field out the back of my house, seen it several times that year, infact i could even tell you where it was nesting, but i wont. I may be wrong, but i was told on good authority that it would be unlikely to see a marsh harrier this far north. Atb

[Kenn]

I am thinking much more likely to be a female Hen Harrier, can you give a description of the under wing colouration and the tail shape?Stunning birds and not uncommon around the county. I too know where a pair bred this year and I'm not saying either!

[ducati]

Aw.. we do see Hen Harriers all the time. This was definately different in shape size and colouring. I originally thought it was a red kite but no forked tail. The female is largely black although I couldn't describe the colouring of the male other than brownish with a paler tale and underwings. (Yes I know that could describe a Hen Harrier)