Protection operation prepared for nesting hen harrier
A ROUND-THE-CLOCK nest protection operation is ready to swing into action if one of England's rarest birds of prey nests in Northumberland this spring.
Last year a pair of hen harriers successfully raised five chicks at a nest in Tynedale, thanks to a 24-hour guard that safeguarded the precious nest from disturbance.
The RSPB and Forestry Commission have teamed up again this year and trained volunteers and staff will be on stand-by to watch over the nest area if the harriers return.
Phil Curtis, who is organising the harrier protection project, is appealing for the help of anyone who is out and about in the uplands of northern England this spring to report any sightings of harriers to (0845) 460 0121.
"Harriers can travel over large distances and can turn up just about anywhere, so we are appealing for the help of people in the north east to help us by watching out for these special birds," said Mr Curtis.
"Sightings reported to the hotline will provide vital information that can help us to better protect these rare and spectacular birds."
Harrier sightings can also be e-mailed to henharriers@rspb.org.uk
Reports should include the date and location of sighting, with a grid reference where possible.
Tom Dearnley, ecologist with the Forestry Commission, said: "We hope that the harriers will return to nest on Forestry Commission land in North Tynedale again this year, and if they do we will be ready to protect them.
"Hen harriers are a spectacular bird of prey and the efforts of so many to protect the nest last year made for a great success story.
"Conserving these birds and providing the right ecosystems for their needs is an important part of the work of the Forestry Commission."
The Northumberland Harrier Nest Watch is a partnership between the RSPB, and Forestry Commission with support from the Northumberland & Tyneside Bird Club.
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Weather for Blyth
Monday 21 May 2012
Today
Sunny spells
Temperature: 6 C to 11 C
Wind Speed: 12 mph
Wind direction: North
Tomorrow
Sunny spells
Temperature: 8 C to 15 C
Wind Speed: 13 mph
Wind direction: North
