Hello again (February 2014)

Back from a fantastic trip to West Africa. I've seen some of our migratory moorland birds (including Wheatear, Whinchat and Sand Martin) in their African wintering grounds.. As I watched them in desert, scrub and wetland habitats I was reminded that such small birds make an incredibly long and difficult journey each and every year. I will look at them in a renewed light when I see them return to Langholm Moor this summer.

 Did you see Stephen Murphy on Winterwatch in January, speaking to Lolo Williams about the Hen Harrier tagging work he has been doing? Fantastic stuff, we are proud to work with  Ste and be part of that important harrier work.

 Thank you so much to the fabulous Eimear Rooney for updating this blog with the progress of the three Langholm tagged Harriers in my absence.  I am amazed to be here in February writing a blog with three out of four tagged Langholm Hen Harriers still alive and well - long may it continue.

 Latest Harrier update from Stephen:

All is well with the birds. Nothing much to report other than it is notable that the habitat and extent of the home ranges of each of the 3 birds is very similar; despite Miranda residing 453 kms from her nest and Hattie and Grainne only 5km!

Both Irish and Scottish sites are upland heather and grass dominated, comprising two main roosts at the extremities of the range, measuring approximately 4km x 3km.

Miranda, Hattie and Grainne, 29th of January to 5th February 2014

Miranda 29th of January to 5th February 2014

Hattie and Grainne 28th January to 7th February