The elusive bird was photographed by Simon King in April 2025, whilst bird watching from a hill at the Hampshire & Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust Wildlife nature reserve.
The sighting has taken until now to be verified by the British Birds Rarities Committee (BBRC), the official body responsible for assessing rare bird records in the UK. Confirmation can take time because pallid harriers need to be carefully distinguished from similar birds, including hybrids between pallid and hen harriers.
Pallid harriers (Circus macrourus), which breed mainly in Eastern Europe and Central Asia, are exceptionally rare visitors to the UK. The Testwood Lakes sighting is also thought to be the first ever recorded in the Test Valley area.
Simon King, Assistant Reserves Officer at Hampshire & Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust said: “This was a once in a lifetime moment.
“I’ve been birdwatching at Testwood Lakes Nature Reserve for over 15 years, and in all that time I’ve never experienced anything quite like this. Seeing a pallid harrier so close was truly extraordinary. It’s a slender, elegant raptor with distinctive black wingtip wedges, and I recognised it immediately as it flew alongside me.
“These are exceptionally rare visitors, and it was a real privilege to witness one here in Hampshire.”
In recent years, pallid harriers have begun expanding their range westwards, with small breeding populations in Western Europe, including Finland, the Netherlands and Spain. Despite this expansion, their global population is decreasing, with an estimated 18,000 to 30,000 mature individuals remaining. They face significant pressures including the loss and degradation of the habitats they depend on.
Simon adds: “Pallid Harriers are declining in their traditional breeding grounds due to intensified farming and loss of suitable breeding grounds. Seeing one here in Hampshire is unusual and highlights how important it is to protect our local wetland and grassland habitats, which provide vital refuges not only for rare migrants but also for many other species.”
The sighting is testament to the important role Testwood Lakes Nature Reserve plays for migratory birds. Managed by Hampshire & Isle of Wight Wildlife, the reserve’s lakes, wetlands and grasslands create a rich mix of habitats where birds can find food, shelter and places to rest, while the abundance of insects supports species feeding around the wetlands.
The pallid harrier’s appearance shows the value of protecting and restoring wild places where nature can thrive.
The Trust is appealing for support to replace a damaged boardwalk at Testwood Lakes, which provides the only access to two bird hides overlooking some of the reserve’s most wildlife-rich habitats. The Trust needs to raise a further £11,500 by 19 October to complete the work before winter flooding makes construction impossible and ensure the hides remain accessible, including for wheelchair and mobility scooter users. To support the appeal, visit here.
Hampshire & Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust manages many wetland nature reserves for the benefit of wildlife. Help support the Trust by becoming a member today. Find out more here.
