Hen Harrier Under Threat of Extinction in Britain

The "Glorious 12th" is imminent - the 12th August when the annual grouse-shooting season starts. It will also mark the ongoing acrimonious row between conservationists and the body that represents English and Welsh grouse moorland owners.

England has just two pairs of breeding Hen Harriers Circus cyaneus remaining and, according to the RSPB, these birds failed this year to produce eggs for the first time in 60 years. The Hen Harrier is now on the point of extinction thanks to gamekeepers working for rogue moorland estate owners who have systematically persecuted these birds to protect baby grouse that live on the moors. These people should respect the law that protects these birds - but clearly they don't. The government's own wildlife advisers say that the harrier population has been forced into this precarious position by illegal killing by shooting and trapping.

The Hen Harrier is a large bird of prey and its breathtaking aerobatics are a joy to watch. In my birding life I have seen this once only and the tragedy is that I will probably not have the chance ever again owing to the actions of a ruthless few.

In 2007 there were 15 breeding pairs in England and the RSPB has argued that English moorland could support more than 300 pairs.

I fear it is too late for this magnificent raptor....