You’ve found a nest… what now?

It’s a good idea to brightly flag a radius of at least a ‘tractor length’ (5×5 + meters) around any active nest so as to allow farm or harvesting machinery ample warning to take evasive action to protect the site.

Don’t try to move or relocate the nest as that creates a great risk of desertion. If standing cover surrounding the nest has been accidentally removed, a couple of hay bales stacked a meter or so down either side of the nest and facing East to West is the next best thing to provide shade and cover, allow an exit route at either end.

During incubation or early hatching – [up to about two weeks] is the crucial period of desertion, especially with inquisitive farm dogs or cattle let in too early to feed on a stubble paddock where a nest has been skilfully avoided during harvest. Portable electric fences are most effective in this instance as long as the lower wire is well off the ground.

Quick Tips

Pre harvest – surround the nest site with brightly flagged fence droppers, providing at least a tractor length (5 x 5m) clearance.

Post harvest – If possible, keep stock out of the stubble until the young Harriers have flown (at approx. 8 weeks old); temporary fencing is an alternative.

Shade is crucial – If the site is destroyed during harvest, make-shift protection can be created by placing three smaller bales into a U shape allowing entry/exit for adults access to feed the chicks.

Avoid handling the chicks – Talons are their best line of defence and can inflict serious injury, when in doubt seek professional advice.

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