There had been two excellent birds showing well in Oxfordshire lately, so after work I decided to try and see both species. Three Waxwings had been present daily at Warburg Nature Reserve, while a Montagu's Harrier 1st-summer male had been found at Churn, where it was showing at first light as it left its roost and again in the evening as it returned. As I had to be at work early, a dawn visit wasn't possible, so my plan was to spend the afternoon with the Waxwings before heading to Churn in the hope of seeing the harrier come into roost.
I began my afternoon at Warburg Nature Reserve, high in the Chilterns Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. It was a remote and picturesque reserve, surrounded by peaceful woodland. On arrival, I made my way to the hide and was immediately impressed by how low it had been built. It placed you almost at eye level with anything visiting the natural pool, promising wonderfully intimate views of the birds and mammals that came in to drink or bathe.
After leaving, I grabbed a cup of tea and made my way over to Churn, where there had been some exciting news from the Oxfordshire- Berkshire borderlands: a first-summer male Montagu’s Harrier had been found.
Arriving at the site, I settled in with the other birders and prepared myself for what could have been a long wait.
The moment finally came when the Montagu’s Harrier appeared from the east, drifting into view before beginning to hunt across the fields. It showed brilliantly, quartering low over the landscape and working its way along the hedgerows, flying up and down them as it searched for prey. Watching this elegant raptor move effortlessly over the Berkshire/Oxfordshire Downs was a truly memorable sight.
The bird was fitted with a Darvic ring, which allowed it to be traced back to last year’s successful nesting attempt in England, a fantastic story behind an already special individual. Montagu’s Harrier remains a rare and scarce bird in Britain, and sightings like this are always treasured.
This Montagu's Harrier, known as JJ, was ringed in 2025 by Mark Thomas of the RSPB. It returned this May to the same farm, staying for a few days, then moving around the UK before coming to Churn in Oxfordshire.
In fact, it almost feels as though Pallid Harriers are becoming more regular visitors to Britain now than the much scarcer Montagu’s Harrier, making this encounter even more special.
Sadly, the story of the Montagu’s Harrier in Britain has not always been a positive one. Illegal persecution has played a huge role in the loss of this wonderful species as a regular breeding bird. Gone are the days when multiple pairs could be found scattered across the south and east of the country.
The UK sits on the edge of the species’ range, and sadly Montagu’s Harriers continue to decline across much of Europe. Changes in farming practices have also contributed to the challenges they face, although this is not about blaming farmers, many of whom now work closely with conservationists to help protect wildlife.
What a bird, and what a way to finish the day. After years since my last Montagu’s Harrier, seeing this individual show so well was a real treat. A fantastic end to a perfect afternoon and evening spent birding, one of those days in the field that will stay in memory for a long time.