THE RSPB is calling on wildlife fans to look out for hen harriers, one of England’s rarest birds of prey.

As spring seems to have finally sprung, the nature conservation charity has relaunched its Hen Harrier Hotline. It is hoped that people who enjoy exploring the remote moorlands of North Yorkshire will be able to help them discover where these elusive birds might be nesting.

At this time of year, the male hen harrier performs his courtship display, known as skydancing, which involves a spectacular series of swoops and somersaults.

Experts estimate there is sufficient habitat in England to provide a home to about 300 pairs of breeding hen harriers.

However, last year there were only three successful nests in the whole of the country, all of which were in Northumberland.

Amanda Miller, RSPB conservation manager in northern England, said: “If we know where birds are breeding we can deploy round-the-clock protection to give the nest the best chance of success. We can also fit satellite tags to the chicks so we can find out more about where they go after they fledge and launch an investigation if they disappear.”

Male hen harriers are ash-grey with black wing tips and a wingspan of just under a metre.

Female hen harriers are slightly larger, owl-like in appearance and have a mottled brown plumage, which camouflages them when they nest on the ground. They have horizontal stripes on their tails and a patch of white just above, on the rump.

If you see a hen harrier phone the hotline on 0845 460 0121 or email henharriers@rspb.org.uk. Reports of sightings should include the date, location, with a six-figure grid reference if possible and a description of the bird’s behaviour.