In early July members of the Tay
Ringing Group worked with Roy Dennis of the Highland Wildlife Foundation
to fit satellite tags to two young Marsh Harriers born in the Tay
reedbeds. The youngsters are from two different nests and it is
hoped to track their varied fortunes as and when they leave the
reedbeds and begin their migration to their African wintering quarters.
One of the tags used this year is solar
powered, so it should be possible to track the bird for the rest
of its life. The normal battery-powered tags usually stop operating
within 6-9 months. The SITA Tayside Biodiversity Action Fund paid
for the tags and the Biodiversity Partnership hopes to feature
the birds’ fortunes on this website.
The Tay is the Scottish stronghold of this charismatic bird of prey. The sight
of a huge female with its distinctive V-wing slow motion glide hanging over the
reeds is a sure sign of the good health and sound management of this, the largest
reedbed in Britain.
Details of this year's epic journeys can be found here:
