Local residents are being asked by the RSPB to keep watch over two hen harriers that have made a nest on a nature reserve in Cumbria. Concerns have been raised after two other endangered raptors disappeared from Geltsdale nature reserve.
The Police are investigating the disappearance of the birds and said, "The two male birds were servicing nests, and as a result both nests have now failed. In 2020 another male bird went missing in suspicious circumstances. The male was servicing two nests and as a result both nests failed. These birds were in good health, in a perfect environment for them to thrive, with plenty of food. It is highly unlikely that the Harriers have died of natural causes."
This is a known problem, and conservationists have highlighted that these birds are often illegally persecuted on grouse moors as they kill red grouse and can have an impact on the grouse shooting business.
Since 2018, Ruth Tingay, an expert in raptors, said up to 56 hen harriers have disappeared or been confirmed illegally killed on or close to grouse moors.
Under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981, hen harriers are a protected species.
Warden at RSPB Geltsdale, Steve Garnett said, "This is devastating news, for hen harriers, for our hard-working team here at RSPB Geltsdale and for everyone who is rooting for a better outcome for these birds."
