Home / Environment / Rare Pallid Harrier Dazzles Hampshire Bird Watchers
Rare Pallid Harrier Dazzles Hampshire Bird Watchers
2 Oct
Summary
- A rare pallid harrier was photographed in Hampshire in April 2025.
- The sighting was confirmed by the British Birds Rarities Committee.
- This is believed to be the first adult male pallid harrier seen in Hampshire.
A bird watcher described an "truly extraordinary" moment after spotting a rare pallid harrier in flight over Hampshire.
The bird was photographed at Testwood Lakes Nature Reserve near Southampton in April 2025. The sighting, made by Simon King of the Hampshire and Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust, was confirmed by the British Birds Rarities Committee (BBRC).
Pallid harriers typically breed in Eastern Europe and Central Asia, making them exceptionally rare visitors to the UK. King described the encounter as a "once in a lifetime moment" after observing the raptor's distinctive wing markings.
The verification process by the BBRC can take time, as pallid harriers must be carefully distinguished from similar species. This confirmed sighting is believed to be the first of an adult male pallid harrier in Hampshire.
