'Mios ro gach ràith a choltas'
A month before each season, its appearance comes

 

The Hen Harrier or Circus Cyaneus is bird of prey and resident on Islay all year. The Hen Harrier eats small birds and mammals and is such a good hunter that it has an adverse effect on the number of grouse available for shooting. The female Hen Harrier shown left, is brown and white. The male bird is a pigeon grey colour with black tips to the wings. Seen from the front the Hen Harrier's face looks a bit like an owl because of the stiff facial feathers.

On Islay you can see them at Gruinart Flats and The Rinns