De slechte afloop van wat goed was begonnen

From the diary of Johan van der Steen (1929-1996) extracts have been made about a nesting attempt of Marsh Harriers Circus aeruginosus in the nature reserve of Canisvliet near Sas van Gent in 1983. On 4 June, the nest contained 6 eggs. The adult female was found entangled , but still alive, in barbed wire on 2 August, with fresh food remains nearby (was she fed by the male?). The last observation of the male dated from 9 July, the female was found dead on 4 August. Only a single young apparently survived.