HAVE you seen a Montagu’s harrier? The RSPB is encouraging farmers, birdwatchers and walkers to look out for the UK’s rarest breeding bird of prey over the next few weeks.

Only seven pairs of Montagu’s harrier are known to have nested in the UK in 2015 and more information about the bird is desperately needed to save it as a breeding species, says the conservation charity.

Males usually return to the same place every spring, and embark on spectacular display flights to attract a mate. After that the birds are hardly seen.

Mark Thomas, who leads on Montagu’s harrier work for the RSPB, said: “The window is now open but really only for the next two to three weeks, and because there are so few of them it is incredibly significant for us if somebody finds a new pair.

“The UK population is currently teetering on the brink and we are determined to find out why.

"If you are fortunate enough to see these breathtaking birds then please contact the hotline and let us know.”

Satellite tagging has revealed the African wintering grounds of the UK’s Montagu’s harriers for the first time, based on information gathered from a bird nicknamed Mark.

Mark was tagged in the West Country in 2014 and tracked to Senegal. And he has recently returned to same field where he has spent the last two summers, after a migratory flight across northern Africa, the Mediterranean, Spain and France that took a month.

The RSPB has been working with farmers and landowners for more than 30 years to protect Montagu’s harrier.

The striking birds are larger than a kestrel, with long wings and a long tail, giving them a slender appearance. Males are plain grey, with black wingtips and a white underside; females are mottled brown with a white underside. The birds breed in southern and eastern England, on lowland farmland.

Possible sightings can be reported on 01767 693398 or emailed to wildlife@rspb.org.uk with date of sighting, grid reference if possible, and a contact telephone number.

The RSPB in partnership with the Dutch Montagu’s Harrier Foundation and Sound Approach will be satellite tagging more birds this year. The tiny satellite trackers, fitted to the harriers’ backs, provide real time data, revealing migration routes and their wintering grounds in Africa.

Driven by his passion for bird song, Mark Constantine, founder of Lush Cosmetics, formed his own independent publishing company in 2006 committed to his vision of turning bird watchers into bird listeners. For more information visit www.soundapproach.co.uk