Hen Harriers at Arundel WWT

Hen Harriers at Arundel WWT: A Tale of Two Evenings

There are few sights in British birding as stirring as Hen Harriers drifting into roost at dusk. My two January visits to WWT Arundel offered a vivid reminder of how much timing, light, and luck shape these encounters.

Saturday 10 January 2026

The weather could hardly have been better: crisp air, clear skies, and golden light spilling across the reedbeds. It felt like the perfect evening for harriers. Yet as the clock ticked towards closing time at 4:30 pm, no Hen Harriers appeared. The sense was that they were still out hunting, taking full advantage of the excellent conditions. Disappointing, yes — but not without reward. A Little Grebe surfaced as a consolation prize, adding a neat tick to the year list.

Wednesday 14 January 2026

Four days later, the mood was entirely different. The light was fading fast, the sky heavy and dim. This time, the harriers did not keep us waiting. At 4:00 pm sharp, the first ringtail swept in, gliding over the reedbed past Scrape Hide before dropping down to roost. Just before closing, a second ringtail arrived and settled almost immediately. Then, in a thrilling finale, a superb male Hen Harrier ghosted in and dropped to roost in almost the same spot.

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Courtesy of David Shaw and Argus newspaper

The supporting cast was equally impressive. Up to four Marsh Harriers — three females and a male — entertained with aerial displays before the Hen Harriers appeared. Over thirty Cattle Egrets flew in to roost on trees bordering the reedbed, a spectacular sight in itself. And an overwintering Chiffchaff added a final flourish to the evening’s tally.

Reflections

The contrast between the two visits could not have been sharper: one evening of dazzling light but no harriers, followed by a darker day crowned with a perfect trio. Together they underline the unpredictability of birding, where patience and persistence are often rewarded.

Arundel WWT continues to prove itself as a magnet for raptors. From Hen Harriers in midwinter to Ospreys on migration, the site delivers moments that linger long after the hides have closed.