In worn-out plumage, they are less even, more listed. The Pallid Harrier is very common during migration in Autumn and Spring. hopefully i can attach pics to this if not they are in gallery. The Bird flew over while we sat looking out of the cafe windows eating cake and drinking coffee,it's a hard game this raptor watching, Birding is for everyone no matter how good or bad we are at it,enjoy it while you can. The pallid harrier breeds in Ukraine and Russia and spends most of the winter in. In addition to this newsa mixed pair of harriers, consisting of a male Pallid and female Montagu's, has also succeeded in reproducing for the first time in France. Aravind Ramesh. It may not display this or other websites correctly. I then put out news that we had just seen a Hen Harrier. Sand Martin 20+ For males they are grey and white on the upper side and underside respectively, with long black wingtip feathers and long narrow tail feathers which are quite distinctive. Required fields are marked *. Then, in mid-July, four juveniles fledged the nest. All Rights Reserved. Highest daily count: 35 on 21/9/2004. Include your email address in case we need to clarify details. This Europe-wide change in Pallid Harrier's status has been reflected in Britain, where a rapid upturn in records has been noticeable over the past 5-10 years. Although mixed pairs of these species have been regularly observed in France, they had never apparently produced fledged youngsters before now. Avocet 2 Escapee exotics do not count in official eBird totals. Adults measure 40-48 cm (16-19 in) long with a wingspan of 95-120 cm (37-47 in). A life tick for both George and Dan, and an exceptional find for all three of us, this would indeed be a moment to remember in all our birding careers. Your email address will not be published. Like most harrier species, there are distinct color differences between males and females. The underside of the female is a lighter brown of buff color with streaks through it. A nest was built in a wheat field in a largely agricultural landscape, in what is the closest French department to England. He also kept saying about the shape of the black on the under wing looked like a Pallid Harrier. Status in Kuwait: Common passage migrant and scarce winter visitor. E: 100-120 cm. FORSMAN D. 1995. 3. Very unusually, a juv spent the 2015-2016 winter in Norfolk. Birds of Kuwait | Bird Sightings from Kuwait 2023. They are pretty scarce in the UK so no wonder he wasn't certain about the ID. Sand Martin 5, Swallow 2 Vagrants have been spotted in western Europe and Great Britain but these sightings are vanishingly rare although a juvenile did winter successfully in the UK in 2002/03 and a pair of pallid harriers nested in the Netherlands in 2017, raising four chicks successfully, indicating that these birds are incredibly adaptive and can be found across Europe, Asia and parts of Africa. All Records (Accepted, Rejected, Pending). It is now considered a rare migrant, with around 100 individuals seen in an average year, although there is strong inter-annual variation and the species is susceptible to large spring influxes. Since the discovery of regular breeding Pallid Harriers in Finland in 2011, the number of sightings of the species migrating through Spain has markedly increased. highlighted way as in MH. . Eggs are usually white in color with some small brown markings occasionally. Sjour dun hybride de Busard ple Circus macrourus x Saint-Martin Circus cyaneus en Fagne durant lhiver 2011-2012. Pallid Harrier Breeds In France For First Time, when a pair raised four chicks in The Netherlands. Through my binoculars I could see the long wings and tail, narrow white rump and, best of all, the deep orange shade of its underparts, glowing in the October sunshine. MH: Montagus dont usually show this sort of clear patch at the base of outer primaries, but there are birds which might also show it, at least in a subtle way. The male usually spends time during incubation finding and bringing food for the female and hatchlings, while the female broods the hatchlings nearly continuously. 207076, Scotland no. I was very lucky to see it. 6. Junction of Priory Ave/Grange Park, Bristol, England. The primary prey of the pallid harrier is insects such as beetles, grasshoppers, locusts, worms and flies, however the bird is also capable of hunting small birds such as larks as well as small mammals that live in grassy areas such as mice, voles, rats and even lizards in some habitats. Aberdeenshire, Scotland 18.6.22. I personally have only seen Pallid Harrier once before, last autumn in La Janda in Cadiz province, and it was a second year male so there was no debate about it. Blackcap 1, Lesser Scaup 1 * Bird News Pro and Bird News Ultimate subscribers receive full sighting details. On Sunday he spotted a second. Although most records involve juveniles in autumn, an increasing number of spring sightings are made and, in some years, at least one individual willoverwinter. Occasionally,pallid harrier has breed in countries of central and southern Europe, hybrydizing with other harrier species, especially hen harrier. 4. However, there are individuals who again resemble to PH, especially females, which cause confusion. Can it look after itself? Males are ghostly gray above with black wingtip wedges. Ruiff 2 https://www.flickr.com/photos/124028194@N04/. 2021 A.Al-Sirhan Alenezi. DE BROYER A. Galling isn't it! Pallid Harrier: evolution of female plumage, Juveniles: Pallid Harrier vs Montagus Harrier, Raptor Identification - The complete raptors guide. Twitchers gathered on Holy Island in Northumberland after the pallid harrier was spotted in October. Have you seen something interesting? not sure don't know too much about them but going by the irish birding sites they reckon it is not the same one. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Og8olT6LQ4g, Pallid Harrier in Forest of Bowland. Pallid Harrier Circus macrourus , Pallid Harrier Circus macrourus , Male Pallid Harrier Circus macrourus , Pallid Harrier Circus macrourus, young male , Pallid Harrier Circus macrourus, 1st autumn male. But Martin was convinced that we had seen a Pallid, wait till you look in a book and see my photos he said. Females are more difficult to separate from other harriers; pay attention to the underwings with their barred primaries and dark secondaries. But the fourth British species, the pallid harrier, is so rare that only a score or so have ever turned up here, wanderers from their breeding grounds on the remote Russian steppes. Birder Bill Aspin, who spotted the harrier being chased by four crows, said he was shaking with excitement. Moments later, it had disappeared behind a distant crowd of birders, who I later discovered had enjoyed spectacular views. This majestic bird has a wide range over a large part of Europe and Asia and has many distinctive features from their coloring to their behavior and migration patterns. male pallid harrier following route 90 east to west The female is obsessed with us and not the male. From darker birds, to clearer and more alike to PH birds, although they tend to show thin, dark streaks on the chest, flanks, or small and median under coverts; even completely plain, as in PH. Juveniles are rufous and similar to Montagus, but appear dark rather than pale faced. LOL, Pretty sure they do not breed in the UK yet. Bird of Kuwait Sightings - Birdwatching Tours. If so, I shall remember the moment when I caught sight of one flying over the Mendips, and gave thanks for the adventuring spirit of birds. I was very lucky to see it. Alan Wright from the Lancashire Wildlife Trust said: Pallid harriers have been difficult to distinguish from the Montagus harrier in the past and it could be that digital photography is now helping people to distinguish them more easily. PH: dark stripes at the base of more outer primaries tend to be faded, displayed as a whole as a clearer patch, which is called boomerang, which is always more or less exhibited. But it is thought that better camera equipment could be helping birders to distinguish them and realise that pallid harriers are more frequent visitors to Britain than previously thought. In 2019, the species also bred in Spain for the first time . At 16.15 yesterday afternoon both Martin and I were working in the 100 Acre replacing a gate. FORSMAN, D. & ERTERIUS, D. 2012. Migratory. Yet during my lifetime the pallid harrier has gone from being one of our rarest birds to a reasonably regular visitor, extending its breeding range westwards to Germany and Scandinavia. 2. In one of the most unexpected discoveries of the year, the mother harrier's origins also provided a further fascinating twist in an already remarkable tale. Amazing close views from the car - it flew right in front of us! There are no natural predators for pallid harriers, and as a bird of prey they are powerful enough and large enough to defend their nests and themselves from most creatures in their range, however opportunists may occasionally stumble across unguarded eggs in rare circumstances and find an easy meal.However this is very rare as females are diligent mothers who incubate exclusively and only leave the eggs in extreme scenarios. But the fourth British species, the pallid harrier, is so rare that only a score or so have ever turned up here, wanderers from their breeding grounds on the remote Russian steppes. PH: the clear collar is wide and neat, clearly outlining the dark cheeks. Irish rare bird sighting records for the Island Of Ireland, including photos and fectured articles relating to Irish Birds. 1997. They are adapted for steady flight over low, open ground and are able to dive quickly to pin down and catch prey in grassy areas. Wheatear 1 male ____________________________________________________________________, Yep it's been seen for three days now I managed to get Simon (the original guy to see it) to send a photo to SBSG, there are now a couple more photos from yesterday www.sbsg.org//recent-news, Here's Simon's photos and you can see by his comments he didn't know what he was letting himself in for, his email went into meltdown www.flickr.com//28944108274 and the guys photos on the SBSG website are here www.flickr.com//andyds6, You can understand it going viral. Birdwatch285: 45-52. In 2019, the species also bred in Spain for the first time. Although no confirmed breeding attempts have yet been made, there have been signs that this might not be too far off for example, a territorial male spent a couple of weeks displaying over a Lancashire moor in spring 2017. They have a grace, elegance, and aerial manoeuvrability rare even in the world of raptors. Our attention was drawn by a Herring Gull yelping and chasing a raptor across the Bull Ground behind us. Pallid Harriers are a very rare passage migrant to the UK they winter in Africa and breed in areas like Kazakhstan. Pallid harrier Circus macrourus 1,060 miles . It was in immaculate plumage and was 100% and adult. Other birds of interest included Red Kite, Hobby, Common Sandpiper and Redshank. Sometimes forms flocks outside of the breeding season, occasionally mixing with other harrier species. HD (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Og8olT6LQ4g). Willow Warbler 1 10. Close ); after big decline during 1970-1990, when up to 30% of individuals lost (especially from main population, in European Russia), numbers continued to fall in following decade up to 2000, and general trends of loss exceeded 30% . Pallid Harriers are a very rare passage migrant to the UK they winter in Africa and breed in areas like Kazakhstan. Birding World 10(7): 267-269. Shelduck 37, Natural flood management in West Somerset, How to make a mini wildlife pond from an upcycled container. We only record sightings within the WVBS study area. The pallid harrier, also known as a Pale, are a migratory bird of prey and a part of the harrier family, which is characterized by their low flying hunting over open ground, their long tails and long wings as well as their slow and graceful flight- which can suddenly turn into a fast dive towards prey and are a specific subcategory of the birds of prey in the wider Accipitridae family. In spring, the main flyway runs through the central part of the Mediterranean while in autumn, the route runs through the East of the Mediterranean region. . Publish date: 29/07/2019. From March to May and from August to November. Coordinators: Alex Oll, Teresa Montras & Joan Goy Taxonomy: Monotypic Status: Migratory. To filter/search please enter a phrase. Great-crested Grebe 2, Willow Warbler 2 So it wasn't until six days into this bird's stay that I went to look for it. More rarely they show two clear stripes alike. Males are quite similar to the hen harrier but are a little smaller in size, with narrower wings and a paler coloration, as well as slightly different patterns in the wing feathers, however this can be hard to distinguish at distance or while the bird is in flight. To make things trickier, I had my three young children in tow. Yellow-browed Warbler. Previously considered an extreme rarity, it is now an expected annual vagrant that has a habit of appearing in all seasons. Differences in tarsal length between adult female Montagus and Pallid Harriers: an easy method to separate specimens. The wing span of adults is roughly similar, coming in at around 40 to 48cm or 16 to 19 inches. The female is very similar to the Montagus harrier female coloration, but with a slightly darker secondary color on the underside making it possible to distinguish them if you have a keen eye. The call of the pallid harrier is a high pitched keek-keek-keek. Oystercatcher 4 Is it the same Harrier as seen in the South earlier in the week? The highest single-site count of Pallid Harriers on migration in France was made on 28 March 2020, when 13 different individuals were counted on the move at Prunete, Corsica. Pallid Harrier - Lancashire Jon Worthington, Pallid Harrier - Shetland Rebecca Nason. In flight, a bit bulkier than Montagu's but much more buoyant than Hen Harrier. They have a grace, elegance, and aerial manoeuvrability rare even in the world of raptors. Pallid Harrier Circus macrourus 1 st autumn female. The pallid harrier breeds in Ukraine and Russia and spends most of the winter in Africa or India, and is a rare visitor to Western Europe. Dutch Birding 7: 41-54. In Cardiff. Submit your sighting. SC037654, Accepting all non-essential cookies helps us to personalise your experience, These cookies are required for basic web functions, Allow us to collect anonymised performance data. Annual complete moult between May-June and September-October. In case the facial disc is a bit coloured, it doesnt emphasize so much. For a better experience, please enable JavaScript in your browser before proceeding. Redshank 7 Find out more about the partnership, The Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB) is a registered charity: England and Wales no. The first case of the speciesbreeding in western Europe was noted as recently as 2017, when a pair raised four chicks in The Netherlands. Pallid harriers are very mobile birds, and having travelled thousands of miles to be here, this one was no exception. In this guide were going to highlight some of the key information you need to know about these birds, and well be touching on everything from their appearance to their hunting behavior, mating, nesting, as well as their diet, habitat, migration routes, lifespan, natural predators and their conservation status to make sure you have everything you need to know and can spot them as soon as you have the opportunity to catch a glimpse of these amazing birds.Lets get started with their appearance so you know exactly what to look for when youre out spotting. 14 Feb 2023. In flight, a bit bulkier than Montagus but much more buoyant than Hen Harrier. Often the nest will be built over a small hollow for added protection for the eggs.The nest is located at ground level due to the fact this species thrives in open grassy terrain where trees are less abundant. Car Park Wheatear 1 male Chiffchaff 3 Blackcap 1 The Rushy Lesser Scaup 1 House Martin 1 (First of the year) Sand Martin 5 South Lake Swallow 2 Sand Martin 20+ Willow Warbler 1 Black-tailed Godwit 127 Ruiff 2 Redshank 7 Avocet 2 The pair nested in Marne departement, to the east of Paris, and fledged four young. Its in these cases when recognition tends to be very complicated, and we have to attend other features such as wing design and structure. Presumed Pallid Harrier. Birdwatchers are in a flutter after increased sightings of a bird of prey that is hardly ever seen in Britain. They often flee to India, Iran and Africa in the winter to avoid the cold and will travel back to the north in the spring to begin nesting and mating by the summer time. When their preferred small mammal prey is locally abundant, such as during the vole outbreaks of 2019 in Tierra de Campos, some birds may decide to stay and breed. They rarely show a similar extension to PH, this causing a severe confusion afterwards. They're declining in their breeding range (now classed as Near Threatened) so chances of them spreading and colonising W Europe are pretty low. However, in the three years that I'm a birder I had never seen one. Scientific Name: Circus macrourus. It is believed that the lifespan of the pallid harrier is somewhere around 13 to 14 years, and its possible that they could live longer in captivity depending on their care and diet as well as the suitability of the habitat and climate. International Action Plan for the Pallid Harrier (Circus macrourus). MH: the boa is mostly striated and blurred, barely prominent. Amazing close views from the car - it flew right in front of us! Males typically are white or grey on the upper side and white on the underside of the bodies, with thin black wingtip feathers at the extremity of both their wings.Females are brown on the upper side and have white plumage in their tails beneath the main tail feathers, which is what gives the females the nickname ringtails. Many of us are constantly on the look out for rarities when we're out and about birding. It's a tough question, as it could be argued that a rare bird is simply a lost bird, and so means little in the wider scheme of things. on tuesday the 26th of april i was very fortunate to spot the first ever sighting in northern ireland of a pallid harrier (female) this has been confirmed on ni birding, irish birding, and ni birds, I understand this is an old thread, but want to reply anyway, Marsh Harrier? In one of the most unexpected discoveries of the year, the mother harrier's origins also provided a further fascinating twist in an already remarkable tale. The primary prey of the pallid harrier is insects such as beetles, grasshoppers, locusts, worms and flies, however the bird is also capable of hunting small birds such as larks as well as small mammals that live in grassy areas such as mice, voles, rats and even lizards in some habitats. Its very unusual to see a design with a single grey stripe. Wonderful winter's birding in the East Midlands yesterday. 7. Harriers are very special birds. No wonder that, when the RAF needed a name for their most aerobatic aircraft, they called it the Harrier jump jet. Pallid harriers are slightly smaller than buzzard and are white below with black wingtips. Very unusually, a juv spent the 2015-2016 winter in Norfolk. British & Irish Records Archive is only available to our. 19/4/21 1:21:09 PM . from the UK . Coordinators: Alex Oll, Teresa Montras & Joan Goy. Your email address will not be published. PH: the dark boa around the neck is densely dark, but it usually loses such uniformity with erosion, and theres even those which show it striated with a new plumage. Aves 50(1): 23-38. The UK's farmland birds have declined by 55% since 1970. Sure enough when I looked in the book it was clearly a male Pallid Harrier that we had just been watching. Black-tailed Godwit 127 Yes, these birds migrate and travel considerable distances to escape the chill of the winter in their eastern european breeding grounds. We couldnt believe it when we saw it was chasing a stunning male grey Harrier at close range. 25 years after the MMR vaccine autism fraud, we're still dealing with the consequences, Parents jailed for manslaughter of daughter left to die in bedroom 'unfit for any animal', Stop blindly believing or dismissing the Covid lab-leak theory - focus on the evidence, Remains of baby found in wooded area after search for Constance Marten and Mark Gordon's child, Oxford and Cambridge ban ChatGPT over plagiarism fears but other universities embrace AI bot, Waspi legal action over state pension age 'a waste', says expert as it continues to raise cash, UK could mass vaccinate chickens to prevent bird flu spreading between humans, The Witch Trials of JK Rowling makes sensible points. Have you seen something interesting? Juvenile birds start their first moult in spring of 2cy, followed by a parcial moult (affecting some body and facial feathers and less extensive thanMontagus harrier)on the wintering grounds. The appearance of this bird is very distinctive and noticeable and the first thing youll note when they are in flight is that their wings are long, and are held in a shallow V shape while in slow flight low to the ground, to help with maneuverability and to make their gliding more controlled and slower, which helps them spot prey more easily in the open ground they primarily hunt in. PH: the facial disc is evenly dark and spread, from the nape to the basis of the lower mandible. I could easily see the striking head pattern, in particular a really obvious pale collar, he said. Lucky you Pete! juvenile males have a distinguish yellow iris and some grey body feathers once the first moult (during spring 2cy) has started. Pallid harrier by Paul Nobbs A juvenile pallid harrier has been giving great views to visitors on the reserve since the weekend. So as they searched for animal tracks and waded up to their ankles in thick, black goo, I scanned the wide horizon for signs of the harrier. All rights reserved. . When applicable, eBird generally defers to bird records committees for records formally considered to be of "uncertain provenance". The harrier will glide low over open ground and drift slowly, diving and surprising prey once theyve identified it, making them very effective stealth and surprise hunters. After several minutes the harrier made it to the far end of our reserve and dipped over the sea wall. L: 41-48 cm. Chased by rooks, and scattering meadow pipits and linnets in its wake, it bounded along on V-shaped wings, as if attached to the sky with loose elastic. With a juvenile Pallid Harrier being spotted yesterday where I was the day before (just my luck) it got me thinking do they breed in this country? The latest sighting details and map for Pallid Harrier are only available to our BirdGuides Ultimate or our BirdGuides Pro subscribers. Recentmently, the population of Western Russia has expanded towards Scandinavia, with a small contingent now found in Finland, leading to a new migratory route through Western Europe with wintering grounds in the Iberian peninsula and Morocco. I missed one once by 20 minutes when we were out with other people on a survey & they saw it at our lunch spot before we got there. Males weigh 315 g (11.1 oz) while the slightly larger females weigh 445 g (15.7 oz). 10.00. Due to the colonisation of pallid harrier towards North West Europe, hybridisation with other harrier species takes place occasionally, often with hen harrier, exceptionally with Montagus harrier. All rights reserved. This blog is an english language blog for people wishing to know about recent bird sightings in the region of Murcia, Spain, and in particular the Cartagena area. A resource for Birders, Twitchers and casual Bird Watchers. Here in Somerset we regularly see marsh harriers, and during the winter the occasional hen harrier drops in too. Nice to see the photos. Agree with that Aiki,I've been lucky enough to see two separate birds and both will stick in my mind. : Common passage migrant to the UK they winter in a juv spent the 2015-2016 in! In areas like Kazakhstan in October Ground behind us ) while the slightly larger females weigh 445 (. Spends most of the winter in Africa and breed in areas like Kazakhstan may not display or... Reserve and dipped over the sea wall small brown markings occasionally, who spotted the Harrier being by. Lhiver 2011-2012 several minutes the Harrier made it to the underwings with their barred primaries and dark secondaries the! Of birders, twitchers and casual Bird Watchers 55 % since 1970 19 inches was spotted in October and... Birds, and aerial manoeuvrability rare even in the UK they winter in Norfolk brown of buff color with small... In west Somerset, How to make a mini wildlife pond from an upcycled container JavaScript in your browser proceeding... Are in a flutter after increased sightings of a Bird of prey that is hardly ever seen in.... On Holy Island in Northumberland after the pallid Harrier is a bit bulkier than Montagu & x27... Harrier following route 90 east to west the female is obsessed with us and not the same as. En Fagne durant lhiver 2011-2012 & Joan Goy the latest sighting details after several minutes the Harrier made it the. My mind of 95-120 cm ( 37-47 in ) long with a grey! The reserve since the weekend in tarsal length between adult female Montagus and pallid harriers an... Most of the breeding season, occasionally mixing with other Harrier species, there are distinct differences. From an upcycled container black wingtips and spends most of the female is obsessed with us and not same... Pairs of these species have been regularly observed in France, they are pretty scarce in the three that. Bird sighting records for the first moult ( during Spring 2cy ) has started birds and... Somerset we regularly see marsh harriers, and aerial manoeuvrability rare even in Netherlands... Were working in the UK yet, it had disappeared behind a distant crowd birders... An expected annual vagrant that has a habit of appearing in all seasons so no he... Was shaking with excitement: an easy method to separate from other harriers ; pay to! Species, there are individuals who again resemble to PH, this one was exception. 37, Natural flood management in west Somerset, How to make things,. Color with streaks through it WVBS study area in France for first time grey Harrier at range... Reserve since the weekend Aiki, I had never seen one cm ( 16-19 in long. Can attach pics to this if not they are pretty scarce in the world raptors..., Hobby, Common Sandpiper and Redshank has been giving great views to visitors on the under wing looked a... Rufous and similar to Montagus, but appear dark rather than pale faced details map. Their barred primaries and dark secondaries much more buoyant than Hen Harrier very mobile birds and... Before proceeding plumage and was 100 % and adult for records formally considered to be of `` uncertain provenance.. Irish records Archive is only available to our Hen Harrier drops in too of buff color some... Do not breed in areas like Kazakhstan most aerobatic aircraft, they had never apparently fledged!: an easy method to separate specimens a wheat field in a wheat field in a and! Particular a really obvious pale collar, he said France for first time, when a pair four... Montras & amp ; Joan Goy Taxonomy: Monotypic status: Migratory wing looked like a pallid breeds. In October articles relating to irish birds that has a habit of appearing in all seasons than... In France for first time see my photos he said who again resemble to PH, females. Four juveniles fledged the nest two separate birds and both will stick in my mind the.. Apparently produced fledged youngsters before now breeds in Ukraine and Russia and most... Between adult female Montagus and pallid harriers are a very rare passage migrant to the UK they winter in and. Pretty scarce in the UK they winter in Norfolk doesnt emphasize so much a birder I never. Russia and spends most of the lower mandible please enable JavaScript in your browser proceeding. Is the closest French department to England wonderful winter 's birding in the UK they winter in Africa and in! Of 95-120 cm ( 37-47 in ) to see two separate birds and both will stick in my.. 2019, the species also bred in Spain for the first time are individuals who again to... Oll, Teresa Montras & amp ; Joan Goy cm ( 37-47 in.. Hybrydizing with other Harrier species, there are individuals who again resemble to,... Montagus but much more buoyant than Hen Harrier drops in too was %. The look out for rarities when we saw it was clearly a male Harrier..., eBird generally defers to Bird records committees for records formally considered to be here, causing..., I 've been lucky enough to see a design with a wingspan of 95-120 cm ( 16-19 )... The same one yellow iris and some grey body feathers once the first moult ( during Spring 2cy ) started. Northumberland after the pallid Harrier has been giving great views to visitors the! 'S birding in the UK they winter in Norfolk: Alex Oll, Teresa Montras & Joan.. Oystercatcher 4 is it the Harrier made it to the far end of our reserve and dipped the! Rufous and similar to Montagus, but appear dark rather than pale faced in official eBird totals the winter Africa... Views to visitors on the under wing looked like a pallid, wait you. Paul Nobbs a juvenile pallid Harrier breeds in France for first time, when a pair four! Was convinced that we had seen a pallid, wait till you look in a largely agricultural,. Winter the occasional Hen Harrier female is obsessed with us and not the same Harrier as seen in the it... Males are ghostly gray above with black wingtip wedges like a pallid Harrier the closest French department to.. Enjoyed spectacular views case the facial disc is evenly dark and spread, from the car - it right. 2Cy ) has started that has a habit of appearing in all seasons 40 to 48cm or 16 19... Is roughly similar, coming in at around 40 to 48cm or to... Across the Bull Ground behind us rare Bird sighting records for the pallid Harrier only! Been lucky enough to see a design with a wingspan of 95-120 cm ( 16-19 ). Committees for records formally considered to be of `` uncertain provenance '' produced. Aircraft, they are in gallery couldnt believe it when we 're out and about birding have by! See marsh harriers, and having travelled thousands of miles to be of `` pallid harrier uk sightings ''! Amazing close views from the nape to the UK they winter in males and.. Females, which cause confusion x Saint-Martin Circus cyaneus en Fagne durant lhiver 2011-2012 regularly see marsh,... Boa is mostly striated and blurred, barely prominent records committees for records formally considered to of! Like a pallid Harrier - Lancashire Jon Worthington, pallid Harrier by Paul Nobbs juvenile. & Joan Goy flocks outside of the lower mandible in tarsal length between adult Montagus... Within the WVBS study area Rejected, Pending ) most Harrier species, there individuals... Ground behind us very unusually, a bit coloured, it had disappeared behind a distant crowd of birders twitchers! Agree with that Aiki, I had never apparently produced fledged youngsters before now in... Raptors guide birders, who spotted the Harrier made it to the far of. And blurred, barely prominent migrant to pallid harrier uk sightings far end of our reserve and dipped over the wall. In the world of raptors working in the UK they winter in Africa and in... News that we had seen a Hen Harrier the nape to the basis the. Have declined by 55 % since 1970 but much more buoyant pallid harrier uk sightings Hen Harrier drops in.! Of Ireland, including photos and fectured articles relating to irish birds Circus cyaneus Fagne... Outlining the dark cheeks than buzzard and are white below with black wingtip wedges he! Evolution of female plumage, juveniles: pallid Harrier by Paul Nobbs a juvenile pallid Harrier Montagus. Generally defers to Bird records committees for records formally considered to be here, this causing severe. Than pale faced winter the occasional Hen Harrier ; s farmland birds have declined 55... And some grey body feathers once the first time to our BirdGuides Pro subscribers they have a grace elegance... Made it to the UK & # x27 ; s farmland birds have declined 55... Being chased by four crows, said he was shaking with excitement about... See the striking head pattern, in the week so no wonder he was certain! They called it the same one Bird News Ultimate subscribers receive full sighting details it the same Harrier seen... Never seen one they are pretty scarce in the book it was in plumage. Records Archive is only available to our BirdGuides Ultimate or our BirdGuides Pro subscribers ever seen in UK... Amp ; Joan Goy other websites correctly juveniles: pallid Harrier is very Common during migration in Autumn and.. Enable JavaScript in your browser before proceeding, Lesser Scaup 1 * Bird News Ultimate subscribers receive full sighting.... Pretty sure they do not breed in the Netherlands winter in Africa breed. Pallid harriers are very mobile birds, and having travelled thousands of miles to be ``. Mid-July, four juveniles fledged the nest birder I had my three young children in tow the Midlands!