Hen harriers - Clyde Muirshiel Regional Park
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Clyde Muirshiel is home to one of the UK’s rarest breeding birds – the hen harrier. The regional park’s moorland landscape offers nest sites for this spectacular bird, as well as places for it to hunt small birds and field voles. The birds have been nesting in the area for more than 50 years. You may be lucky enough to see their dramatic ‘skydancing’ courtship displays in the spring but it is rare to see this bird close up.
Live pictures now at Muirshiel
The "Discover Clyde Muirshiel's Wildlife" project has been fortunate to get the cooperation of the birds and a technically suitable nest so you can now see amazing close up views of the parents and their chicks using CCTV cameras. The live pictures are coming into Muirshiel Visitor Centre and we can show you highlights from the last few days here (just click on the link below). It is easy wildlife watching! However please note there is no sound with these clips.
- Adult female
- Breezy night
- Chick defecates
- Close up of the chicks
- Female bring prey to the chicks
- Female feeds the three chicks
- Female flies into nest
- Female on nest
- First hatchling being fed
News Update - 24 July 2008 - Three chicks have hatched this year from three eggs!
They are currently learning to fly and are expected to finally leave the nest within the next few days.
More information on the project and the hen harrier can be found on the Clyde Muirshiel Regional Park website. You can also find out more about ecology, conservation and other local wildlife issues on the local biodiversity site.
Muirshiel visitor centre - location and contact details
Clyde Muirshiel Visitor Centre location map Address:
Muirshiel Visitor Centre
Muirshiel Country Park
Calder Glen Road
near Lochwinnoch
Renfrewshire, PA12 4LB
Muirshiel Country Park
Calder Glen Road
near Lochwinnoch
Renfrewshire, PA12 4LB
Phone:
01505 842 803
Directions
Road:
Off A737 Paisley/Kilwinning Road, at Roadhead roundabout follow signs for Lochwinnoch. Take B786 and follow signs for Muirshiel.
Bus:
Citylink Glasgow to Ardrossan passes at Roadhead roundabout. 5.5 miles from Centre.



