A morning with PWL and our restricted Raptor & Owl C permit holder DW, to monitor three potential nests at two sites.
The nests was located with the aid of a drone, best practice when monitoring harrier nests, to minimise disturbance to the reedbed. The nest was not quite where we expected as feeding activity had only been observed from a distance, but there were 2 healthy young of a size suitable for ringing.
The first nest had male and female siblings. The second nest appeared to have failed as there was no sign of the adult birds.
The toe span measurement and tarsus width was taken on each bird to to ascertain
the bird's sex and ensure the correct sized ring was fitted.
Wing measurements and weight were also taken.
Wing tags were fitted before birds were returned to the nest.
The last nest at a separate site had three larger chicks, two definite males and a third that was probably female according to the measurements taken.
Finally birds are returned to the nest.
Total: 5
Marsh Harrier - 5