Rare breed back

Published on 29th March 2007 in News

Members of the public are invited to RSPB's Blacktoft Sands Nature Reserve next week to welcome back a rare breed of bird.

Marsh Harriers, also known as white-headed harpies, are touching down at the reserve in Goole as they complete their long-haul flight from Africa, and local people are invited to catch close-up views of the harriers each Saturday between 1pm until 5pm, from April 7 until the end of June, as they settle down to breed at the reserve.

"These are truly amazing birds and we are very pleased to have them breeding at RSPB Blacktoft Sands," said Tori Summerell, visitor and publicity officer for the reserve.

"Marsh Harriers are very rare in Britain due to the scarcity of the reedbeds where they breed and there are currently only about 160 breeding females around the country."

Entry to this RSPB Blacktoft Sands marsh harrier 'Aren't birds brilliant!' project is free when visitors quote the reference "blacktoftsandsmarshharrier" to staff in the reception hide.

For more information, visit www.rspb.org.uk/birds/brilliant/sites/blacktoft/index.asp.