Here's an update on Aalin - the Manx satellite-tagged Hen Harrier - from Blánaid Denman, Project Manager, Hen Harrier LIFE+ Project:
'Aalin – this Manx beauty is proving a source of endless fascination as the first harrier officially to have been recorded leaving the Isle of Man for mainland Britain. She was spotted at a local nature reserve in Warrington in November, before making her way south to spend the winter over an area of farmland in Shropshire.
The last of our hen harriers to forsake her wintering grounds this Spring, Aalin has only just recently moved across into North Wales. We wondered if she could be getting ready to make the leap across the water and back to her island home but it seems she may have found a reason to stay... as she’s been spotted dallying with a grey male over some very suitable looking habitat. Will she stay or will she go? Watch this space...!'
You can read more about all the Hen Harriers in the 'Class of 2016' on the RSPB website. There are stories of triumph and tragedy - the latter as usual at the hands of those less caring about our wildlife.
