Harriers at Crymlyn Bog

An immiture male Marsh Harrier was present today at Crymlyn Bog. Also present was a ringtail Hen Harrier.

Earlier today, about 11:00, a female Hen Harrier was present in the dunes of Baglan Bay. Flying around for a short period and seen to land in the dunes. As a result of this sighting I decided to check whether it might later roost at nearby Crymlyn Bog. The Bog has historically held Harrier roosts, although I am unaware of any recent records.

I was joined at Crymlyn Bog by Charles Hipkin. We parked at the visitor centre which gives a reasonable view over the Bog. We were delighted to see the imm male Marsh Harrier coursing around the Bog and head off towards Jersey Marine. At 16:30, 10mins later, it returned and was seen to go to ground among the reeds. 20mins later a ringtail Hen Harrier was seen briefly at distance. Although this bird was not seen to go to roost, I would assume it did roost here. The 2 Hen Harriers, I saw today, did appear to be different birds so there may be 2 or more in the area.

This site is desperately under watched, but hopefully these birds will stick around for a while.