17th July 2009

�Iconic birds� breeding in Dorset again

MARSH Harriers have bred in Dorset for the first time in nearly 50 years. The nationally scarce birds of prey have chosen Weymouth’s RSPB nature reserve at Radipole Lake to set up home.

It is one of only three breeding sites in the south west and bird experts say the Weymouth pair are the only harriers in the whole of the UK to breed in such an urban setting.

There are only 250 breeding pairs of harriers nationally and the RSPB’s Nick Tomlinson, who is site manager for Radipole Lake and its sister reserve Lodmoor, said: “This is so exciting.

“One or two harriers usually spend the winter with us, but then move on in spring so we first suspected something was happening when we started to regularly see two birds ‘sky dancing’, an amazing aerial courtship display with one bird diving at the other before locking talons and spinning in the air.

“That these iconic birds from far away remote wilderness have chosen to breed in Weymouth is simply wonderful.

“Watching them drift across reedbeds surrounded by houses with cars rushing past and people going about their busy lives is simply breathtaking.

“They are poetry in motion, simply magical and so absorbing that, watching them, you forget the time and become immersed in the dance, a wonderful way to relax amid the bustle of our busy lives.”

Marsh Harriers have suffered from persecution and poisoning by pesticides over a long period, but are finally starting to make a come back. Populations are increasing in several areas but they are still very rare in southern England.

Information Officer Claire Masson said: “People have been captivated by these birds. They’ve been watching prey being brought in and dropped

in mid air from one bird to another, a fantastic sight. We can’t wait for the young to fly the nest. The reed bed is going to be alive with activity.”

The RSPB is encouraging people to come and see the birds for themselves. During the next few months the wildlife charity will have guides in its north hide at Radipole Lake and hopes to show video footage of these amazing birds in the reserve’s visitor centre.

There will also be an opportunity to support the RSPB Birds of Prey campaign, which aims to stop the illegal killing of these beautiful birds by signing a pledge card in the hide or at the visitor center.

More information about the birds and the campaign is available from the Radipole Lake visitor centre on 01305 778313.

�Iconic birds� breeding in Dorset again

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