Hen harrier chicks saved after adults suspiciously disappear

FIVE endangered bird of prey chicks have been saved after four adults vanished from their nests in Northern England.

- TONY HENDERSON

In May, over a period of eight days, four breeding male hen harriers suspiciously disappeared from their nests two from RSPB Geltsdale Nature Reserve on the Northumberland Cumbria border, and a two from the Forest of Bowland in Lancashire.

Following the suspected illegal killing of the male parent birds, two of the nests failed at incubation stage, but RSPB staff and volunteers quickly responded to the nests that had youngsters.

They provided periods of emergency supplementary food, under licence, to the females in an effort to save their chicks and staff and volunteers ensured the nests were closely monitored.

Chris Hind, a volunteer at Geltsdale RSPB reserve said: "We were hopeful that our efforts would pay off, but nothing was guaranteed.