The hen harrier is a rare bird of prey found across the moors and uplands of England. With dramatic plumage and acrobatic flight displays, the hen harrier is a spectacular bird to observe in the wild. However, due to habitat loss and persecution, hen harrier numbers have declined sharply, making sightings increasingly scarce. This article provides guidance on the top locations in England to spot these magnificent raptors.
Overview of the hen harrier
The hen harrier (Circus cyaneus) is a medium-sized bird of prey recognizable by its owl-like facial disc, white rump patch, and black wingtips. The male hen harrier has a striking grey plumage, earning it the nickname ‘silver ghost of the moors’. Females and juveniles are larger and mostly brown.
Hen harriers breed on upland moors, nesting on the ground amongst heather and tall vegetation. They hunt small mammals, birds, and reptiles by gliding low over open habitats. Aerial acrobatics are used during courtship displays and food passes between mates.
Once widespread across upland areas of the UK, hen harrier numbers crashed during the 19th and 20th centuries due to habitat loss from agricultural intensification and afforestation. Illegal killing of birds at nest sites also contributed significantly to declines. The hen harrier is now one of England’s rarest birds of prey with only 15 successful nests recorded in 2019.
Current status and conservation
The hen harrier is listed as Near Threatened on the IUCN Red List and is a UK Biodiversity Action Plan priority species. It receives full legal protection under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981. The species remains threatened by illegal persecution, particularly on grouse moors where gamekeepers view harriers as a threat to red grouse stocks.
Conservation efforts aim to protect existing nesting sites, restore moorland habitat, and work with landowners to reduce persecution. Six proposed Hen Harrier Recovery Areas have been identified across England where priority conservation action will take place. These are focused on areas with existing hen harrier populations in the North York Moors, Yorkshire Dales, Forest of Bowland, Peak District, Northumberland, and Derbyshire.
Where to see hen harriers in England
The top locations to spot hen harriers in England are outlined below. The most reliable sites are in the North of England, particularly Yorkshire, where the majority of the breeding population is concentrated.
North York Moors National Park
The heather moorlands of the North York Moors host England’s largest hen harrier population, estimated at around 13 pairs. The upland area from Bransdale Moor across to Rosedale is a good place to search for hunting birds from March to October. The northern part of Newtondale and nearby farmland are also regular haunts.
Some of the best vantage points include:
– Urra Moor
– Bloworth Crossing
– Danby High Moor
– Rosedale Moor
Park in laybys along the B1257 or A169 and scan surrounding moorland. Early morning and late afternoon provide the best sighting opportunities.
Yorkshire Dales National Park
At least 10 pairs of hen harriers breed annually across the heather moorland and grassland of the Yorkshire Dales. Prime areas to spot harriers are Widdale, Upper Wharfedale, and the wide expanses of moorland around Hawes.
Good vantage points include:
– The road between Hawes and Ingleton
– Minor road east of Fleet Moss
– Malham Tarn estate
– Public footpaths in Upper Wharfedale
Search for harriers quartering low over the moors. The males’ grey plumage makes them easier to spot. Visit from April to September for the best chance of sightings.
Forest of Bowland AONB
The heather moorland and blanket bog of the Forest of Bowland AONB support around 5 pairs of hen harriers. The United Utilities estate provides excellent access for birdwatchers.
Prime spotting locations include:
– Hawthornthwaite Fell
– Totridge Fell
– Saddle Fell
– Wolf Fell
Park at the end of Moor Lane and take the footpath onto Totridge Fell. Scan surrounding moorland from high vantage points. Also check the open farmland pockets for hunting harriers. Late spring and summer are optimal viewing periods.
Nidderdale AONB
This AONB bordering the Yorkshire Dales holds at least 2 breeding pairs annually. Search the upland heath and grassland around Scar House Reservoir and Upper Nidderdale for hunting harriers from April to September.
Good access points include:
– Footpaths above Scar House Reservoir
– Bridleways on Cogden Moor
– Public paths above Gouthwaite Reservoir
– Lane Ends quarry
Early morning and late afternoon are the best times for observation.
Northumberland National Park
The remote uplands and grassy valleys of the National Park support a small hen harrier population of around 5 pairs. Prime areas to spot harriers are the Otterburn ranges, Kidland Forest, and around Ratcheugh Crag.
Recommended locations include:
– Military roads across the Otterburn ranges
– Footpaths above Redesdale
– Approach road to Kidland Forest
– Ratcheugh Crag and neighbouring Fellside Moor
Most sightings occur between April and August. Visit in the early morning or evening when harriers are at their most active.
Peak District National Park
Around 2-3 pairs of hen harriers breed annually across the Peak District moors. The majority nest on the Dark Peak around Bleaklow and Kinder Scout.
Good spots to observe hunting harriers include:
– Kinder Scout plateau
– Bleaklow Head
– Black Hill
– Marsden Moor Estate
Search areas of open heather moorland and upland grassland. Spring and summer offer the best chance of sightings.
Other sites
Isolated pairs may also be present in suitable habitat across Northern England and the Midlands. Additional locations where sightings occur include:
– Moors around Leek and the Roaches in Staffordshire
– Cannock Chase AONB in Staffordshire
– Walshaw and Healey Moor in Lancashire
– Geltsdale and other Cumbrian moorlands
– Lowther Uplands in the Lake District
– Moorland around Rushyford in County Durham
– Exmoor and Dartmoor National Parks in Devon
Check recent bird sightings at these locations for reports of hen harrier activity. Search open areas of moorland and grassland for hunting birds from April to September.
Best times to see hen harriers
Breeding season
The breeding season from April to August is the optimal time to spot hen harriers in England. Territorial display flights, nesting activity, and food passes make the birds more visible. Search areas of suitable nesting habitat like heather moorland and upland grassland.
Males can be seen performing their aerial ‘skydancing’ display flights. Females will be seen gathering food and bringing it back to nest sites. Young will emerge from late May onwards.
Early morning and late afternoon/evening provide the best sighting opportunities as harriers are most active.
Winter
Hen harriers gather at communal winter roost sites from September to March after breeding ends. Up to 50 birds may gather at a single roost location which often remain consistent across winters.
Well-known roosts in England include:
Location | No. of harriers |
---|---|
Forest of Bowland | Up to 30 |
Geltsdale | Up to 20 |
Derwent Valley | Up to 15 |
Arrive before dusk to observe harriers converging on the roost. Derwent Valley and Geltsdale also offer morning flight lines as birds leave the roosts at dawn.
Passage
Migrating hen harriers from continental Europe pass through England in April/May and September/October. Coastal watchpoints record the most passage birds as harriers avoid crossing the North Sea.
Top spots for observing passage harriers include:
– Flamborough and Bempton Cliffs in Yorkshire
– Spurn Point in East Yorkshire
– Gibraltar Point in Lincolnshire
– Norfolk coastwatch sites
Autumn passage peaks in late September/early October. Spring passage is more drawn out between mid-March and mid-May. Check the weather forecasts for days with easterly winds to optimize sightings.
How to identify a hen harrier
Distinctive features
– Medium-sized raptor with rounded wings and long tail
– Facial disc gives owl-like headed appearance
– Prominent white rump patch
– Wings held in shallow ‘V’ shape when gliding
– Slow, buoyant flight close to ground
Identification tips
**Males**
– Blue-grey upperparts
– Pale underparts with fine barring
– Black wingtips
**Females/Juveniles**
– Brown upperparts
– Pale underparts with streaking
– White undertail coverts
– Often seen carrying prey
**In flight**
– Look for white rump flashing as the bird quarters over moorland
– Listen for piping ‘pee-uu’ call
– Notice acrobatic hunting maneuvers and sudden changes of direction
Potential confusion species
**Montagu’s Harrier**
– Longer, narrower wings
– Longer tail streamers
– Less prominent white rump
**Ringtail Hen Harrier**
– Check underwing pattern – Ringtails show thin dark trailing edge to underwing, compared to broad black wingtips in harriers
**Northern Harrier**
– Note plain undertail – Northern Harriers have obvious dark bars on undertail
How to improve your chances of seeing a hen harrier
Visit known territories
Focus your efforts on areas known to support breeding pairs based on monitoring data. The Yorkshire Dales, Nidderdale, and North York Moors are most reliable.
Aim for dawn and dusk
Harriers are most active early morning and late afternoon/evening as they leave/return to roosts. Light is also better for observing at these times.
Choose good weather
Look for dry, bright days with light wind. Avoid prolonged wet weather or heavy rain which keeps harriers hunkered down.
Use vantage points
Elevated vantage points allow you to scan a wide area of suitable habitat. Hills, roads, and footpaths provide good platforms.
Check suitable habitat
Search areas of open moorland and upland grassland where prey is accessible. Also look for where grassland meets woodland edges.
Look for display flight signs
Watch for acrobatic skydancing by males and food pass sequences between pairs during the breeding season.
Use bird news services
Recent sightings alerts will let you know of hen harrier activity in your target areas to improve your chances.
Ethical considerations when observing hen harriers
It is critical to respect hen harriers and their habitat during observation to avoid disturbance:
Keep distance
Use binoculars and telescopes to observe from a good distance. Never approach nests or young. Remain hidden from view.
Conceal presence
Avoid loud noises, bright colours, and sudden movements. Camouflage helps avoid startling birds.
Restrict vantage points
Stick to footpaths and public rights of way to avoid trespassing on private land. Be aware of military training areas with access restrictions.
Avoid flight paths
Take care not to block perches or cross flight paths between nesting and feeding areas.
No drones!
Never use drones to photograph or film hen harriers due to major disturbance risks.
Adhere to access restrictions
Respect any seasonal access restrictions around known nest sites to protect breeding attempts.
Report illegal activity
Call 101 to report suspected wildlife crime like trapping or shooting. Provide as much detail as possible.
Summary
In summary, hen harriers are a majestic but vulnerable raptor that can be spotted across England’s upland moors and grasslands from April to October. The north of England, especially the North York Moors and Yorkshire Dales, offer the most reliable sightings. Search areas of open moorland during early morning and late afternoon by using elevated vantage points. Look for the males’ grey plumage and acrobatic display flights. Take care not to disturb or flush the birds while observing them. With persistence and an ethical approach, you stand a good chance of observing these spectacular birds of prey.