Satellite data research shows harriers soaring over North Yorkshire

A group of hen harriers, which fledged this summer, were fitted with satellite tags in a trial of a brood management scheme.

The scheme saw the brood removed from the moors and transferred to raptor facilities, where they were reared, before being relocated to moors in the north of England as juveniles and released.

One male harrier travelled around 1,800 miles since it was tagged, averaging approximately 55 miles per day.

The bird travelled as far west to the coast of southern Ireland, went on to Southampton, London and then up to Wales before returning to the north.

Research showed the other birds, however, stayed closer to home sticking to the North York Moors, the Yorkshire Dales and the North Pennines.

Amanda Anderson, Director of the Moorland Association, a partner in the brood management scheme trial, said: “This data provides a fascinating insight into the behaviour of these captive-reared young harriers.

"They appear to have integrated very well and their behaviour seems the same as totally wild tagged harriers. Most of the birds have been content to fly around the uplands and grouse moors which is territory they know and like.

• On top of the world - the bereaved couple who found love in a group set up to combat loneliness

"The adventures of the bird which travelled further afield are extraordinary and show that the species is quite capable of covering vast distances."

Two of the birds’ tags have currently stopped transmitting, however investigations are underway to establish their whereabouts.

Ms Anderson added: "Extensive efforts are ongoing to trace the two birds which have stopped transmitting. The areas to search are massive over difficult moorland terrain hunting for a well camouflaged bird the size of a big crow

"The tags are solar powered, which can result in stretches of time where no data is transmitted, or other malfunctions."