There have been a few disappointments regarding Marsh Harrier this year. A few pairs didn't return to their usual areas and some known nests were predated. It was therefore a relief to tag a brood of three this afternoon. There was a definite male (requiring an F ring) and female (requiring the slightly larger G ring), with a third bird that had a toe span measurement that might have been either male or female. In such cases it is usual to err on the side of caution and fit the larger ring. In this case the weight and wing measurement pointed to it being a female.
Tag fitting of first chick, a definite female.
Processing complete, the chick is ready to be re bagged and wait
while the other siblings are processed.
The male weighed 470g compared to the other two at 620g & 670g
The final chick, measured, ringed, tagged and ready for return to the nest.
Total: 3
Marsh Harrier pulli - 3