A6.106 Annex I and migratory species for which no SPAs have been selected

No SPAs have been selected in this review for White-tailed Eagle Haliaeetus albicilla for reasons outlined in section 5.6.2. Montagu's Harrier Circus pygargus nest largely on arable land in eastern England. No SPAs have been selected for this species because the only regular breeding area is largely comprised of intensively managed arable farmland within which precise nest locations vary considerably between years. This has prevented the identification of concentrations and delineation of suitable site boundaries. Nevertheless, Montagu's Harriers are monitored in their regular nesting area and, as mechanisms are currently being developed to enable the classification of temporary and mobile habitats such as arable land, the species will remain under review." Although the British populations of a number of birds of prey are particularly significant in European terms, (15% of Kestrel Falco tinnunculus, 11% of Sparrowhawk Accipter nisus), the dispersed nesting of the following species means that it has not been possible to identify sites holding concentrations of European importance for Goshawk Accipiter gentilis, Sparrowhawk, Buzzard Buteo buteo, Kestrel, Hobby Falco subbuteo, and Long-eared Owl Asio otus. All these species occur in significant numbers on many UK SPAs classified for other species. Following a period of regular breeding in Shetland between 1967–1975, Snowy Owls Nyctea scandiaca now occur only sporadically in the British uplands. There have been no breeding attempts since 1975.