Hen Harrier Breeding Success 2014

04th August 2014

Following last year’s exceptionally poor numbers, there was some recovery in 2014 with probably six territorial pairs in the study area. Another immature male also held a territory. At least five pairs nested and hatched young but two of these subsequently failed, and predation by red fox was a factor in at least one of the failures. The remaining three pairs successfully fledged at least ten young. One pair fledged five young which although recorded previously on Skye, is a rare event. It appeared to have been a good year for voles so this probably assisted breeding success, and the dry spring enabled birds to breed earlier than normal. Unfortunately numbers remain about 50% below their peak of several years ago. A pair may also have bred again in Lochalsh but precise details are unknown.

Bob

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