Against grey sky the bird looked white with black tips to wings. it flew not far from me and i could see that it was a bird of prey. i got a good look at it as it flew over. when i came home i checked my bird book and internet and am convinced it is a male hen harrier. i was about 1 mile from thurles at the time. beautiful sight and i hope to see one of these birds again. 29/3/2011. . . . thank you. sean