Miranda on the move

Miranda's move of 27 October 2013

Miranda yesterday made a move of 120km from where she spent the past week in Glenveagh, Co. Donegal, to be in Cushendall, Co. Antrim less than 10hrs later. In doing this journey, she would have flown at least 200km (she did not take a direct route to Cushendall).

Miranda and Heather are now at complete opposite ends of the island of Ireland - over 400km apart, but don't forget that both birds have now visited this part of Northern Ireland. In September 2008, a young female Hen Harrier wing tagged in West Clare as a fledgling that summer was sighted in this part of Northern Ireland. What is the draw to this area? Hypotheses include that it may be on a migration corridor between Ireland and Scotland, a place where young harriers may meet their elders; but who knows. Who knows where Miranda will go next. Will she return to her native Scotland (now just 30km away), leaving Ireland behind as Glen did in 2010? Stay tuned.

Heather saw out the stormy weather at her home territory in South Cork yesterday.