Marsh Harriers

Norfolk Marsh Harriers.

The destination

Last week Chris Payne, Chair of Northants Ringing Group (NRG) and one of his trainees, Suzy Boys, ventured into the wilds of Norfolk to ring Marsh Harrier nestlings, under Schedule 1 licence.

To get to the nests required wading through long grass and using telescopic ladders to traverse deep, muddy ditches.

Four nest sites were located and a total of ten chicks were ringed, which more than made up for strenuous efforts of reaching the nests and the resultant nettle stings.

Young Marsh Harriers

Ringing.

Each young bird is fitted with a uniquely numbered metal ring, the details of which are entered onto the British Trust for Ornithology (BTO) database, Demography Online (DemOn). Marsh Harriers are an Amber Listed species on the Birds of Conservation Concern (BoCC) listing, and all data helps build a picture of the breeding success for these wonderful birds.

Placing a ring on a young Marsh Harrier

Chris Payne with young Marsh Harrier