Conservation in action.

Yorkshire Dales Moorland Group

Merlin's (Falco columbarius) are our smallest bird of prey here in the UK and they rely on our moors to breed. They are smaller than a kestrel and with rare exception they nest on the ground amongst longer vegetation especially older heather stands. Since our moors host abundant populations of summer visiting passerines such as meadow pipits, wheatears and stonechats its no surprise that these diminutive little falcons return to the moors to lay eggs and raise their broods. Merlin's are primarily bird eaters but they also take large insects and occasional voles. Moorland gamekeepers admire these raptors not just because of their dashing prowess as hunters but also because they can act as sentries alerting the keeper of avian and mammalian predators with their alarm calls.

Areas of heather are rotationally left to grow tall to accommodate them here in the Dales and virtually all our moorland estates take part in a long term research project to monitor their success. This has been a fantastic collaboration that has ensured these birds continue to prosper as a result of the protection from generalist predators such as foxes and stoats. Here we see a healthy brood of merlin's almost ready to fledge being ringed by one of YDMG's licensed BTO partners. Merlin's are protected under the Wildlife & Countryside Act and listed on Schedule 1. This means only authorised persons can visit the nests to check on them and to ring them.

Our keepers are playing a critical role in protecting these characterful birds and lets hope these eyasses return to the Dales to rear their offspring in years to come.

Footnote: This year has seen the merlin breeding season rather spread across a number of weeks. Some birds are already on the wing whereas others are still white fluffy balls of joy. The last photo shows another brood on one of our managed moors that are destined to be ringed in a few days.