BIRD lovers hope a high-tech safari to track down an elusive bird of prey will provide much-needed information on its habits.

The Forest of Bowland is the last remaining English breeding ground for the hen harrier, one of Britain's rarest birds.

After another successful summer that saw around 20 pairs successfully breed, the RSPB is now trying to trace the movements of young birds which have recently flown the nest.

Fitted with radio-transmitters just days after hatching, around 10 of this year's brood are being monitored by the RSPB and English Nature.

And the RSPB has invited bird watchers on a safari, on Saturday, July 16, to track down the birds.

People taking part will be issued with radio receivers to help track down the birds.

Pete Wilson, RSPB Forest of Bowland conservation officer, said: "We've had quite a successful summer in terms of the number of birds hatching.

"However, we want to find out where they go once they've flown the nest.

"We've had tagged harriers turn up all over Lancashire and as far south as East Anglia.

"Many, particularly females, stay in the locality, but we want to find out if they are all leaving the Forest of Bowland.

"This helps us find out which areas are important for them, so we know which areas to protect."

The hen harrier has suffered in recent years because of more intensive farming methods on its favoured breeding grounds of remote moorland, plus illegal persecution by land owners.

However, the Forest of Bowland has remained a stronghold as much of its moorland is preserved for grouse hunting.

The year 2003 saw a decline in the breeding fortunes of the bird across the north of England, from 22 nesting attempts in five different areas in 2003 to just 10 nests in one area -- the Forest of Bowland.

Eight successful nests were located on United Utilities' Bowland estate, which stretches around 13 miles from Stocks Reservoir in the east to Chipping in the west.

However, a record number of 25 chicks fledged from these nests last year, and with between 18 and 20 chicks this year, 2005 has also been declared a success.

Around half of the 21 places on the safari are still available.

There will be a £5 charge per person and all profits will go towards conservation work in the Forest of Bowland.

Booking is essential. Phone the RSPB's Anna Sugrue, between 9am and 5.15pm Monday to Friday, on 01484 861148.

The safari starts at 9.30am, lasts five or six hours and covers steep, hilly terrain, so a reasonable degree of fitness is required.