Rare Montagu's harriers nesting on Humber estuary
- Published
Montagu's harriers are described as a long-winged bird of prey similar to a hen harrier
A pair of rare birds of prey is raising several chicks in a reedbed on the Humber estuary in East Yorkshire.
The Montagu's harriers are at Blacktoft Sands, near Goole - the most northern location for a pair, said the RSPB.
The bird is extremely rare in the UK and more usually found on mainland Europe. The RSPB believes there are only seven females in the country.
Warden Pete Shore said there may be as many as four chicks and the RSPB was "determined to see these birds fledge".
The birds and the chicks could be at the reserve until August.
'Make a difference'
Mr Shore said there would be a threat of egg collectors, which was "very sad", but added the presence of a breeding pair was "our chance to make a difference to conservation".
The migratory birds spend the winter in West Africa and then travel to Europe for the breeding season. Few make it as far as England.
The Montagu's harrier is described as a long-winged bird of prey similar to a hen harrier.
According to the RSPB the tidal reedbed at Blacktoft Sands, near Ousefleet, is the largest in England and important for breeding bearded tits, bitterns and marsh harriers.