WITH spring around the corner, a conservation charity is asking people in the uplands to keep their eyes peeled for hen harriers, England’s most threatened birds of prey.

The Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB) has relaunched its Hen Harrier Hotline with the aim of finding out where these birds might be breeding.

There is enough suitable habitat in the English uplands to house at least 320 pairs of breeding hen harriers but last year there were only four successful nests in the whole country.

Natural England says there should be 11 breeding pairs in the North Pennines Special Protection Area but none have bred there since 2007.

Hen harriers are in trouble largely because of illegal persecution.

The birds sometimes eat grouse, which brings them into conflict with the shooting community, with some game managers illegally killing or disturbing harriers to protect their business.

Amanda Miller, RSPB conservation Manager in northern England, said: “Breeding hen harriers are so rare that any sighting is extremely important. We have dedicated staff and volunteers ready to protect nests around the clock but we can only do so if we know where they are. I would urge anyone who spends time in our beautiful uplands to keep an eye out for these stunning birds and get in touch with us if they see one.”

Male hen harriers are an ash-grey colour with black wing tips and a wingspan of just less than a metre.

Female hen harriers are slightly larger, owl-like in appearance, and have a mottled brown plumage and horizontal stripes on their tails.

The Harrier Hotline number is 0845-4600121. Reports, which should include the date and location of the sighting with six-figure grid reference where possible, can also be e-mailed to henharriers@rspb.org.uk.