TAKE a walk at dusk at a Dorset nature reserve and look out for raptors.

RSPB Arne near Wareham is hosting Raptor Roost Watches on Wednesdays in December and January – a chance for the public to see kestrels, merlins, short-eared owls, marsh harriers and even the elusive hen harrier, one of the most endangered birds of prey in the UK.

The walks are a unique opportunity to spot birds of prey soaring through the sky using laser-sharp precision in search of food and shelter.

Ellie Sunderland, RSPB Arne Visitor Experience Manager, said: “Join us in a search for one of RSPB Arne's winter spectacles. We’ll head out for a two-hour sunset walk looking out for raptors coming in to roost and hunt on Arne Moors - an area that isn’t usually open to members of the public.

“Hen harriers breed on the upland heather moorlands of Wales, Northern England and Scotland, where unfortunately, they are often persecuted due to feeding on grouse and fowl. But, in winter they move south to areas like the lowland heathland surrounding Arne, which luckily is a safe haven."

She added: "The marshland habitat on the Arne Moors hosts a fantastic food source for all these birds and is also home to lots of winter wading birds. Birds of prey are among our most spectacular and well-known birds offering magnificent displays, even in the depths of winter. So, fingers cross we’ll get a chance to see it.”

The walks are on Wednesdays from 2.30pm-4.30pm or 3pm-5pm. It costs £16 for RSPB members, £20 for non members.

For more information visit: www.rspb.org.uk/arne