Latest news with #marshharrier
Yahoo
03-08-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Birdwatchers spot rare bird of prey over the skies of the North East
Nature lovers and conservationists were treated to a rare and exhilarating sight as a marsh harrier, one of the UK's rarest and most striking birds of prey, was spotted. With its wings held in a distinctive V-shape, the Harrier wheeled and soared over the industrial skyline at Seal Sands in Teesside over the last month. The marsh harrier is the largest of the UK's harrier species and is best known for its broad wingspan (up to 1.2 metres) and graceful, floating flight over reedbeds and marshlands. A Marsh Harrier (Image: PAT BLEWITT) Sightings in the North East remain relatively uncommon, making this recent appearance all the more thrilling for birdwatchers. Photographed by members of the Northern Echo Camera Club, including Chrissy Turner, Steve Raine, and now Pat Blewitt, the bird's appearance has ignited excitement among local wildlife communities. The marsh harrier's return to UK skies is nothing short of a conservation success story. In 1971, only one breeding female remained in the entire country, after decades of persecution and the destruction of vital wetland habitats. A Marsh Harrier in the North East (Image: PAT BLEWITT) Since then, thanks to intensive habitat restoration, legal protection, and the dedication of conservation groups, the species has rebounded. Today, over 500 breeding pairs are spread across the UK—mainly in East Anglia, Somerset, parts of Scotland, and now occasionally the North East. Though it is listed as Amber on the UK's Birds of Conservation Concern and protected under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981, sightings in the North East suggest the species is slowly expanding its range. Read more: Reform councillor steps down after a month so wife can enter garden competition Innocent: Darlington man cleared of sexually abusing young girl in his home 'It won't define us': Hartlepool's message a year after riots rocked town Although historically rare in the Northeast, marsh harrier sightings have become more frequent in recent years. This summer's confirmed sighting at Seal Sands, an estuarine wetland near the River Tees It's also worth noting that an increasing number of marsh harriers now overwinter in the UK, defying their traditional migratory pattern to Africa. This shift hints at the changing climate and evolving habitat conditions. The marsh harrier's dramatic comeback is more than a conservation win—it's a reminder that nature can recover when given space, time, and protection.
Yahoo
02-08-2025
- General
- Yahoo
The rare birds and birds of prey spotted over the skies of the North East
In a welcome sign for conservationists and bird lovers, the skies of the North East of England have recently been graced by a series of rare and elusive bird sightings. From the booming call of the secretive bittern to the soaring silhouette of the marsh harrier and the phantom-like glide of the goshawk, these avian appearances are sparking joy and hope among wildlife watchers. The Bittern: Booming Signs of Return Once nearly extinct in the UK, the bittern, a reclusive member of the heron family, has made a splashy return—albeit quietly—across reedbeds in the North East. Spotted recently at Rainton Meadows and heard booming at RSPB Saltholme, the bittern is a master of disguise. Its streaked, beige-brown plumage allows it to blend almost invisibly into tall reeds. Status: Amber-listed in the UK Habitat: Large, undisturbed reedbeds with shallow freshwater Diet: Eels, fish, and aquatic invertebrates Breeding Clue: Males emit a haunting foghorn-like "boom" audible up to two miles The return of this species is a powerful symbol of success in habitat restoration and wetland conservation, particularly in the North East, where confirmed sightings have been rare for decades. The Marsh Harrier: Once Near Extinction, Now Gaining Ground Another magnificent bird now making an appearance in the region is the marsh harrier—the largest of the UK's harriers. Often seen gliding in a distinctive V-shape above wetlands, this raptor was once reduced to a single breeding female in the entire country by 1971. Sightings at Seal Sands and Castleford's RSPB St Aidan's, captured by members of the Northern Echo Camera Club, show the bird's unmistakable long wings and graceful flight. Status: Amber-listed and protected under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 Habitat: Extensive reedbeds and coastal marshes Diet: Frogs, small mammals, and wetland birds such as moorhens Behaviour: Known for acrobatic aerial courtship displays and mid-air talon-locking Thanks to decades of conservation work, the UK now hosts over 500 breeding pairs, and their growing presence in the North East signals both adaptability and ecosystem improvement. The Goshawk: The Phantom of the Forest Returns Elusive and powerful, the goshawk has historically been known as the 'phantom of the forest.' Once wiped out in Britain due to persecution and deforestation, it is now making a measured return to areas like Weardale, where sightings have thrilled observers and photographers. Status: Green-listed, but still vulnerable to illegal persecution Habitat: Mature coniferous and mixed woodlands Diet: Birds (like pigeons and gamebirds), squirrels, and rabbits Once extinct as a UK breeding bird by the late 1800s, today the goshawk's comeback—fueled partly by escaped falconry birds—has brought the UK population to around 500–600 breeding pairs. Why These Sightings Matter These sightings—while still rare—are becoming increasingly frequent. Read more: Nearly 200 objections to plan for hundreds of new homes in North East town Person taken to hospital after air ambulance lands at County Durham incident Newton Aycliffe woman admits £30,000 council tax and benefit fraud over six years What happens next with Hayden Hackney after Middlesbrough accept Ipswich offer Darlington hair salon forced to pay another former staff member thousands Conservationists believe this uptick is thanks to decades of habitat management, stronger legal protections, and public awareness. Each sighting is a testament to: The importance of reedbed and woodland preservation The power of focused conservation programs The need for continued vigilance against habitat destruction and persecution How You Can Help Nature lovers are encouraged to: Report sightings to local wildlife trusts and conservation groups Keep a respectful distance from nesting and breeding sites Visit local reserves such as Rainton Meadows, RSPB Saltholme, and Seal Sands during dawn or dusk for the best chance of a glimpse Whether you're a seasoned birder or a curious newcomer, keep your binoculars ready and your eyes on the skies—the North East is writing a new chapter in the story of Britain's wild birds.
Yahoo
25-05-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Rare bird of prey 'once on brink of extinction' spotted over North East skies
Birdwatchers in the North East were treated to a rare spectacle earlier this month as a marsh harrier—a bird once on the brink of extinction in Britain—was seen soaring over the region. The sighting marks a significant moment for North East conservationists and bird enthusiasts, who described the appearance as both "unexpected and thrilling." The marsh harrier is the largest of the UK's harrier species and is easily recognisable in flight by its long wings held in a distinctive V-shape. The marsh harrier (Image: STEVE RAINE/CAMERA CLUB) This most recent image, taken by Northern Echo camera club member Steve Raine shows the majestic bird in full flight. Once reduced to a single breeding female in the UK by 1971 due to habitat loss and persecution, the species has made a dramatic comeback. Thanks to decades of conservation work, the UK population now exceeds 500 breeding pairs, primarily in East Anglia, the Somerset Levels, and parts of Scotland. Despite this recovery, marsh harriers remain an amber-listed species under the Birds of Conservation Concern and are protected by the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981. Typically, marsh harriers breed in extensive reedbeds and feed on frogs, small mammals, and wetland birds such as moorhens and coots. Read next: Sir John Hall hails 'moment in history' after first Durham Reform council meeting Daughter still searching for answers in dad's infected blood death 49 years on Tragedy as body found in search for missing GP and Northern Echo columnist lick here to join our WhatsApp community and get breaking news updates direct to your phone. While traditionally summer visitors that migrate to Africa for the winter, a growing number are now overwintering in the UK—another indicator of the species' adaptability and increasing resilience. 'This is a fantastic example of how targeted conservation can reverse the fortunes of a species,' said one birder. 'Seeing a marsh harrier here in the North East is still uncommon, but it's happening more often—and that's a really hopeful sign for our wetlands.' With sightings increasing and habitats slowly recovering, enthusiasts are encouraged to keep an eye on reedbeds for future glimpses of this striking raptor.
