A ‘magnificent’ rare bird of prey has been pictured soaring over Wiltshire.
The female Hen harrier was photographer earlier this month flying over the Marlborough Downs, and area of high chalk hills rising to over 500 feet.
The image was shared by The Marlborough Downs: A Space for Nature, a charity that revolves around “farmer-led, bottom-up approach” to conservation in the area.
In a post celebrating the rare sighting, a spokesperson for the charity said: “A female Hen harrier soaring high over the Marlborough Downs recently.
“This is a rare sight to see on the Downs. The Hen Harrier is one of the most endangered breeding birds of prey in the UK, with the population hovering around 700 pairs.”
Commenters on the post were no less amazed by the bird. Paul Rouse wrote: “Magnificent! Super rare to see one. I’ve been looking for one for a very long time indeed.
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“As a rule they have historically visited us in the Downs at winter time. However, I saw my first one in mid March, on Smeathes Ridge.
“Then I saw a second in East Chisenbury in April. It would be fabulous if they are settling in the area. Excellent photo!”
Hen harriers are usually found in moorland landscapes. They are rare because of illegal killing and disturbance, and Natural England monitors their numbers closely, tags individual birds to track their whereabouts.
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