Conservation efforts to preserve a rare bird species in the United Kingdom have been notably boosted by the extraordinary breeding capabilities of one male bird, according to conservationist Mark Thomas. The male, known as AU, has fathered a total of 16 offspring, with 10 born in the past two years alone, making him a crucial figure in sustaining the Montagu’s harrier population in the UK.
Montagu’s harriers are migratory birds that breed in Europe during the spring after spending their winters in Africa and parts of Asia. Although their global population is declining, they are classified as a species of least concern on the International Union for Conservation of Nature’s Red List. In the UK, the numbers of Montagu’s harriers have dwindled significantly over the years, with only 13 breeding pairs reported in the mid-aughts after being completely absent in the 1970s.
The success story of AU has been a ray of hope for the conservationists working to protect these birds. After successfully raising four chicks in 2025, AU returned this year and engaged in intricate mating displays, attracting the attention of three female harriers. Ultimately, two females stayed and nested with AU, resulting in six new chicks, four females, and two males.
Conservationists are optimistic that AU’s offspring will contribute to the future breeding population. Two male offspring from a previous year have already been sighted in the UK, indicating a positive trend for the species. The new chicks are carefully monitored and protected in two secret nests located on a British farm, shielded from predators and external threats.
To further track the progress of the young harriers, the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB) has attached satellite trackers to two juvenile birds for the first time. This initiative aims to monitor their migration patterns and potential return to the UK for breeding, providing valuable data for conservation efforts. Thomas and his team are eagerly awaiting the outcomes of this tracking project to continue their conservation work effectively.