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Inspiring people
Birds of prey are among our most beautiful and inspirational birds. An encounter with one of these magnificent birds is always special. From the sheer speed and power of a peregrine falcon, the manoeverability and grace of a red kite or the majesty of an eagle soaring over a dramatic upland landscape, an encounter with one of these magnificent birds will leave a lasting impression. Masters of the air- 'In spring, I can spend hours watching the buzzard's fantastic muscular display flight and territorial disputes with young intruders. Within 10 miles of my home in Perthshire, there is one female buzzard that has entirely white plumage, and this bird has become somewhat of a local celebrity.' Duncan Orr Ewing, RSPB Scotland Head of Species and Land Management
- 'In truth their heads are too small. Or their tails too big; and they've got really pointy faces and their call is a bit weedy and whiny. At rest the red kite is a bit of a misfit. But who cares, because kites are all about the air. In flight they are agile, manoeuvrable, graceful and, above all, buoyant. They seem to float and when they wobble their big red tail....wow, that sends shivers down spines.' Chris Packham, Wildlife Presenter
Once seen, never forgotten- 'My first experience of red kites was five years ago in the Chiltern hills. They soared gracefully above my head with their colour brought to life by the sunshine of a summer's day. It was a life changing experience that touched me enough to reduce me to tears'. Diane James, RSPB member
- 'Friends took us to a local nature reserve. My son and daughter showed no interest, dragging their feet all the way. Then it happened. My children switched off their mp3 players, took their headphones out of their ears and stopped pushing each other. Their jaws dropped. There in front of us was an amazing painting, a mirage of colours and sounds. Except that it was moving:all except a magnificent osprey perched in the middle of the reservoir. My children were totally entranced.' Nick Saville, RSPB member
- On the third day of my new job working with hen harriers, I was sitting cold and alone on top of a moor. 'What am I doing here?' I asked. It soon became clear, literally. The cloud lifted and there she was - a beautiful female harrier, circling below the cloud base. Then, from nowhere, she was joined by a male. I watched them circling lazily together for 30 minutes before they disappeared into the cloud, leaving me feeling mesmerised and incredibly privileged.' Pete Wilson, RSPB Bowland Project Officer
Back where they belong- 'Now for the first time in 100 years, it is possible to see these graceful marsh harriers quartering the reedbeds and wetlands of our nature reserves up and down the country, without fear of harm and persecution. Fantastic!' John Day, RSPB Assistant Advisory Officer
- 'I still can't tell the difference between a kestrel and sparrowhawk, but what does that matter? They both amaze and intrigue me and I feel extremely lucky every time I see one.' Farrah Stevens, RSPB Project Manager, Corporate and Supporters PR Team
- 'A journey through wilderness: emerging from the cavens and grottoes of the Bakerloo Line into the trackless wastes of regents Park, there to lift up my eyes to the gorges and escarpments of wild London. And there perched on their eyries above the horns and sirens, were birds that have more wilderness in their nature than any other in Britain.' Simon Barnes, Author and journalist
Safeguarding their future- 'I have an amazing job. I help to protect hen harriers in Northern England, where they tentatively hold on, and have the privilege of being able to watch them when they are still allowed to breed unpersecuted, on moors not managed for grouse shooting.' James Leonard, RSPB Investigations Officer
- 'Some peregrine eyries are well known to egg and chick thieves. To combat this, several communities formed watching groups and successfully guarded their peregrines against thieves, being ready to call the police at any sign of intrusion. One group at Moniaive in Dumfriesshire were so delighted by their success they celebrated the event with a ceilidh.' Chris Rollie, RSPB Area Manager for Dumfries and Galloway
- 'Observing several species of birds of prey on the farm in the last few years has completely enhanced my enjoyment of farming. Ospreys, marsh harriers, or anything with a hooked beak shouldn't be seen as weeds, but something we need to cherish. They are truly magical and we need to protect them for future generations'. Chris Skinner, Norfolk farmer
- To see one or two buzzards circling effortlessly above you in the sky is an amazing sight and is always worth taking a few minutes to admire. The speed and agility of the sparrowhawk as it passes you by when you are in the field is nature at its finest and makes you realise that these are sights to be encouraged, not only for us as land managers but also for the general public.' Andrew Holland, Northern England Nature of Farming Award winner
- 'It's a real thrill to be able to see raptors hunting on our farmland; memorable sightings being a hobby catching moths in flight at dusk and a barn owl hunting for voles over grassland on a cold winter's day. Despite adverse effects of pesticide use in the past, its heartening to witness a healthy population of wildlife on the farm capable of sustaining these top predators' Martin Smith, Essex farmer and Eastern England Regional Nature Of Farming Award winner
Last modified: 05 June 2008
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