What’s better than seeing a Hen Harrier?
I always hope to see Hen Harriers. If I had to have a spirit animal it would be a Hen Harrier. They’re wonderful birds and persecuted to near extinction in England.
I’m due to be on Mainland Orkney this afternoon. I’ve got a ferry to catch. Then I see it. There’s a Hen Harrier perched on the fence at the north of Westray:
![Hen Harriers - The Hall of Einar - photograph (c) David Bailey](https://www.thehallofeinar.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/Westray-The-Hall-of-Einar-7778-725x483.jpg)
What a great sight:
![Hen Harriers - The Hall of Einar - photograph (c) David Bailey](https://www.thehallofeinar.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/Westray-The-Hall-of-Einar-7782-725x483.jpg)
It’s distant but unmistakable.
![Hen Harriers - The Hall of Einar - photograph (c) David Bailey](https://www.thehallofeinar.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/Westray-The-Hall-of-Einar-7881-725x483.jpg)
I can see one flying towards me.
![Hen Harriers - The Hall of Einar - photograph (c) David Bailey](https://www.thehallofeinar.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/Westray-The-Hall-of-Einar-7897-725x483.jpg)
It’s still a bit distant. It’s flying over a field full of agri-environment scheme. One small piece of nature amongst all the monoculture short grass is what a Hen Harrier needs to search for a meal.
![Hen Harriers - The Hall of Einar - photograph (c) David Bailey](https://www.thehallofeinar.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/Westray-The-Hall-of-Einar-7922-2-725x483.jpg)
It’s got a red ring on its leg
![Hen Harriers - The Hall of Einar - photograph (c) David Bailey](https://www.thehallofeinar.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/Westray-The-Hall-of-Einar-7929-725x483.jpg)
The wings are broad and very decorative.
![Hen Harriers - The Hall of Einar - photograph (c) David Bailey](https://www.thehallofeinar.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/Westray-The-Hall-of-Einar-7931-725x483.jpg)
It sweeps away from me and then I see an even bigger surprise. There are two Hen Harriers quartering the field.
![Hen Harriers - The Hall of Einar - photograph (c) David Bailey](https://www.thehallofeinar.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/Westray-The-Hall-of-Einar-7921-725x483.jpg)
It looks like an adult female is taking a youngster hunt-training.
![Hen Harriers - The Hall of Einar - photograph (c) David Bailey](https://www.thehallofeinar.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/Westray-The-Hall-of-Einar-7917-725x483.jpg)
I wish them all the best. And as for me, I may miss the ferry.