Efforts by conservationists have been ongoing to prevent a rare bird species from extinction in the United Kingdom.
Recent progress in safeguarding the Montagu’s harrier’s population in Britain is largely credited to the exceptional breeding abilities of a single male bird described as “absolutely prolific,” according to conservationist Mark Thomas.
The star of the show is a 10-year-old male named AU, symbolizing gold chemically, who has fathered a total of 16 offspring, with 10 born in the last two years.
<p"Thomas, the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB) species lead, emphasized AU's significant role in sustaining the species in the U.K., stating, "He is solely upholding this species in the UK without a doubt."
‘A Year of Success’
Montagu’s harriers are migratory birds that winter in Africa and parts of Asia, returning to Europe each spring for breeding.
On a global scale, their numbers are dwindling, although they are classified as a species of least concern on the International Union for Conservation of Nature’s Red List.
In the U.K., the RSPB reports a rapid decline in these already scarce birds, risking complete disappearance from the country.
From a peak of around 30 breeding pairs in the 1950s, the population dropped to zero in the ’70s, rose to 13 in the mid-2000s, and then again plummeted with zero breeding pairs reported between 2000 and 2003.
“Our priority is to preserve the existing bird population,” explained Thomas. “And this year has been exceptionally positive.”
This success is largely attributed to AU’s efforts.
Following the successful raising of four chicks in 2025, the “golden boy” returned this year, once again showcasing his acrobatic mating displays to attract potential mates.
“He soars to heights of about a thousand feet, executing incredible twists and turns while flashing his wings,” Thomas described. “The females are captivated, chasing him around.”
This year, three females vied for AU’s affections.
“The three engaged in a fierce competition, which narrowed down to two. Eventually, two remained and nested with him,” Thomas said.
Preserving the Nests
AU fathered six chicks from his two mates, comprising four females and two males.
Conservationists are optimistic that his male offspring will return to the U.K. to breed in the future. Two of his male offspring from 2025 have been sighted in the country, though they are not yet of breeding age.
<p"This is a positive sign for the ongoing survival of the population," Thomas remarked.
The six new hatchlings are evenly distributed between two nests, located approximately one kilometer apart in a confidential location on a British farm.
Only scientists and landowners are privy to the nest locations, with barriers erected