Rare UK bird of prey seen soaring near New Forest

Keen photographer and Daily Echo Camera Club member John Scamell captured a Hen Harrier flying over Lymington.

One of the most endangered breeding birds of prey in the UK, only a handful are found in England.

According to the Wildlife Trusts, Hen Harriers are often sighted in Scotland and parts of upland Wales, Northern Ireland and the Isle of Man.

Hen Harrier over Lymington (Image: John Scamell) READ MORE: UK's fastest bird seen taking flight at Hampshire nature reserve

Only a tiny handful of pairs now nest in parts of upland England.

Its namesake comes from the birds preying on free-range fowl but more recently, its effect on the number of grouse available to shoot has led to a threat to its survival in some parts of the UK.

The RSPB said the Hen Harrier is most at risk on the driven grouse moors of England and Scotland.

They have an average lifespan of seven years and a wingspan measuring 1.1m.