Helping raptors thrive

Few people may enjoy collecting prey remains and dissecting pellets, but it is so fascinating to me and a big part of what I do!

I set up the North Worcestershire Raptor Monitoring Group in 2023, primarily because we have a good number of raptors in our local area that I had been watching for some time, and I realised how under-recorded raptors were in Worcestershire. I also wanted to help the Kestrel, which is in decline. Raptor persecution is a big issue, and actively monitoring these birds and their nest sites is a good way to pick up on any illegal activity.

Learn more about RSPB work to combat birdcrime.

In 18 months, the group has grown in numbers and in terms of the area we cover. I have people with a variety of skills joining me, from tech experts and photographers to bird ringers and nest recorders, as well as those that are keen to learn!

‘Raptor persecution is a big issue, and actively monitoring these birds and their nest sites is a good way to pick up on any illegal activity’

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Nicola hopes to expand the North Worcestershire Raptor Monitoring Group. Photo: Our Media Studio

A woman is on a ladder reaching up to a large triangular nest box mounted in a tree

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Nicola has been working with farmers and landowners to get nest boxes put up for raptors. Photo: Our Media Studio

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Kestrels don't build their own nests, so rely on tree trunk cavities or nest boxes. Photo: Louise Greenhorn (rspb-images.com)

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Peregrine Falcons are roosting in urban areas more frequently. Photo: Katie Nethercoat (rspb-images.com)

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Goshawks - known as the phantoms of the forest - nest high up in tall trees. Photo: Katie Nethercoat (rspb-images.com)

I’ve had some amazing experiences. Last year we thought one of our Goshawk pairs had failed, but then we saw a chick’s head pop up from the nest. I called my fellow nest finder, and he said, “Wait, there’s more!” Suddenly, two more heads popped up! Goshawks had a successful year last year on the whole. The other fascinating thing has been seeing the sheer variety of prey that my local Peregrines take, everything from Hawfinches to Tawny Owls.

Discover how birds of prey learn to hunt.

I have been working with local farmers and landowners putting up nest boxes and producing annual reports on both raptors and breeding birds. In the woods where Goshawks breed, the numbers of smaller birds, particularly migratory birds, did very well as the Goshawks were primarily taking corvids and Grey Squirrels. My data is mapped on GIS and is sent to the Worcestershire County recorder. I have also been working closely with churches to get nest trays for Peregrines.

I hope to expand the group in the coming years. I’d love to get more young people trained up.

Put up a bird of prey box

Make a space for birds of prey on your local patch with a dedicated nest box. From the RSPB Shop you can buy nest boxes for Tawny and Barn Owls, Kestrels and Peregrine Falcons.

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