Meadow Harrier Conservation. Summary of the 2024 season.

In the vicinity of the Łukaszów, Modlikowice, and Kostomłoty Wind Farms in the Lower Silesian Voivodeship, ornithologists located 14 meadow harrier nests on farmland and meadows, of which 7 were protected from predators and agricultural machinery. These activities yielded impressive results – 30 chicks were ringed, enabling further monitoring of their migration and survival.

This year’s Programme also saw the discovery of 2 nests of the Short-eared Owl, which, like the meadow harrier, also nests on the ground, often in cereal fields. One of these nests was secured, and a total of 8 young owls were ringed. Since the start of the programme in 2014, a total of 136 meadow harrier chicks have been successfully protected.

The programme, which has been running for 11 years, focuses on preventing the decline of biodiversity in agricultural areas and, above all, provides active protection for this unique species. Regular monitoring by ornithologists makes it possible to locate nests and protect them from predators such as foxes and martens, as well as from agricultural machinery, whose activities pose a fatal threat to bird colonies. The erection of protective mesh fences, in consultation with farmland owners, effectively secures the nests, providing safe conditions for the young birds to grow.

Meadow harriers are one of the smaller birds of prey in Europe, and along with Short-eared Owls, which also nest in cereal fields or other tall crops, they play an important role in the ecosystem by contributing to the natural regulation of rodent populations. Rodents, which in excess can pose a threat to agricultural crops, are an essential part of the diet of these predators. In this way, harriers and owls support the ecological balance, which has a positive impact on both natural ecosystems and agricultural economies.

The Active Harrier Conservation Programme aligns with the UN’s Sustainable Development Goal 15 on the protection of terrestrial ecosystems and the prevention of biodiversity loss. It is an excellent example of Polenergia’s cooperation with ornithologists, farmers, and environmental organisations. By working together, effective measures can be taken to protect key species, making a real impact on the conservation of valuable ecosystems. The successes achieved in the 2024 season provide a strong foundation for the continuation and development of the programme in the future.