Probably first breeding of Pallid harriers (Circus macrourus) in the Czech republic

[Jana]

Pallid harrier is a typical raptor of waste steppes of Eastern Europe, but is is always just very rare vagrant in the Czech republic. This year, first breeding record exists. All 3 chicks fledged from a nest in agricultural flatland along river Labe, east of Prague.

Birds.cz - pozorování ptáků (faunistická databáze ČSO)

 

[Mr. Zootycoon]

Was it a pure Pallid pair of a mixed pair with Montagu's harrier?

 

[Jana]

It was at the beginning a trio of Pallid harriers. One female in second year, one male in second year and one male in third year feathers. The female was in contact (nuptial flights) with both, the older male went missing later around start of incubation. They built a nest in rapeseed field, local ornithologists built a fence around the nest and guarded it till all chicks could fly. In same locality, at least 1 pair of Short-eared Owl nested too, so they had more trouble with over-eager birdwatchers than with farmers.