Naval Base Provides Safe Haven for Harassed Birds –

Hen Harriers Protected by Naval Might

The Victorian game keepers hated them and they were almost hunted to extinction, but now chicks born at HM Naval Base Clyde’s on the nuclear high security Coulport site will be safe from human predators. There are four chicks born the local breeding couple and they have all been tagged. But not for ASBO purposes.

Call Me Chick

The site on the side of the loch in Argyll is part of a national RSPB project to protect hen harriers, but the area is most well known for housing the nuclear deterrent loading facility. I hope that’s not a state secret. The chicks are equally divided between the genders, two boys and two girls and they ensure no human does them ill. The hen harrier is currently the most endangered species in the UK. I like bird watching, but in all my natural I have never seen a hen harrier.

Protected by Law

Data from the tagging will be monitored so that the good folks at the RSPB can identify any areas where they might be at risk. Hen harriers are on the verge of extinction and they are a red-listed species which means all they are highly protected by law from disturbance, egg hunting and killing. So the birds are lucky to benefit from the in depth security at the naval base and hopes are high the breeding cycle may see an uplift in the species’ fortunes.

Wildlife in Your Home

It is heart warming stuff and we should celebrate each little victory for nature fighting back in the 21st century. And if you want to have a little nature and art in your living room then take a gander at Border Fine Arts, and feather your nest with a little something special.

https://www.jamespirie.com/collectibles/border-fine-arts.html