Caught on camera: Eagle owl raids hen harrier nest
9 June 2010
Natural England and the RSPB confirmed today that an eagle owl in Bowland, Lancashire has been filmed on CCTV attacking a nesting female hen harrier - one of England’s rarest birds of prey.
Whilst the owl was still present a few hours later, the incubating harrier has not been seen again and its nest has now failed.
Bowland has increasingly established itself as the last remaining stronghold for the hen harrier - a bird that has been driven to extinction in most other parts of the country. Last year there were only six successful nests across the whole of England – and, with numbers critically low, the news of eagle owl predation at Bowland is a significant blow to the hen harrier’s future.
Dr Tom Tew, Chief Scientist for Natural England, said: “Eagle owls – a non-native species – are a recent arrival in Lancashire, following their probable escape from captivity. The nest-cam footage confirms suspicions that they are impacting on hen harrier breeding success in Bowland.
“The additional threat posed by eagle owls, to an already threatened population of hen harriers, raises significant questions about the future survival of this native breeding bird in England. There will be an opportunity at the end of the breeding season to weigh up the evidence and assess how to proceed with the hen harrier recovery project”.
Dr Mark Avery, the RSPB’s Director of Conservation, said: “Hen harrier numbers in England are perilously low due to years of illegal shooting and poisoning. Last year saw just six successful nests in the whole country - four in Bowland. It is vital we do not lose them from this last stronghold.
“It is hugely important that we reach a decision on eagle owls soon, but that decision has to be based on solid evidence.
“While dramatic, we must remember this footage is still just part of the picture. Monitoring of eagle owls is continuing at various sites across the UK and all the evidence gathered will be assessed at end of the breeding season.”
ENDS
Notes to editors
For further information: Contact Beth Rose in the Natural England press office on:
0300 060 1405 or 07900 608 052 or beth.rose@naturalengland.org.uk
About eagle owls
Recently, a small number of non-native eagle owls have become established in the Bowland Fells and started to breed successfully. A recent review by the British Ornithologists’ Union concluded that eagle owls were only present as a result of escapes from captivity. (There are over 3,000 in captivity in England).
Since April 2010, eagle owls have been included on Schedule 9 of the 1981 Wildlife & Countryside Act, which makes it illegal to release eagle owls into the wild in Great Britain.
Within its native range the eagle owl is a top predator and adults have no natural enemies. It is known to kill other predatory species, for food or to remove competition, and can reduce the breeding success of other birds of prey. Although healthy populations of other birds of prey can coexist with eagle owls in large landscapes, small populations that are already limited by other factors are extremely vulnerable.
About Natural England
Natural England is the government’s independent advisor on the natural environment. Established in 2006 our work is focused on enhancing England’s wildlife and landscapes and maximising the benefits they bring to the public.
We establish and care for England’s main wildlife and geological sites, ensuring that over 4,000 National Nature Reserves and Sites of Special Scientific Interest are looked after and improved.
We work to ensure that England’s landscapes are effectively protected, designating England’s National Parks, Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty and Marine Conservation Zones, and advising widely on their conservation.
We run England’s Environmental Stewardship green farming schemes that deliver over £400 million a year to farmers and landowners, enabling them to enhance the natural environment across two thirds of England’s farmland.
We fund, manage, and provide scientific expertise for hundreds of conservation projects each year, improving the prospects for thousands of England’s species and habitats.
We promote access to the wider countryside, helping establish National Trails and coastal trails and ensuring that the public can enjoy and benefit from them.
About the RSPB
The RSPB speaks out for birds and wildlife, tackling the problems that threaten our environment.
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The Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB) is a registered charity: England and Wales no. 207076, Scotland no. SC037654
