Hen Harriers are in trouble...

Photo: Simon Richards

Photo: Laurie Campbell

Hen Harriers are ten times more likely to die or disappear from or near English grouse moors than any other habitat, according to a long-term study which reveals the scale of the illegal bird persecution of the endangered raptor.  Patrick Barkham, writing in the Guardian says Hen Harriers are almost extinct as a breeding bird in England, despite scientific studies indicating there is suitable habitat to support over 300 pairs on English moorland.  Conservationists fear the protected bird is being illegally killed by some gamekeepers because it eats Red Grouse.   However, as the birds are killed in remote locations, often on private estates, there is seldom evidence of wrongdoing and prosecutions are rare.
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BarrytheBirder