Britain’s loudest bird, once extinct in the UK, has enjoyed its best year since records began, according to a new survey by the RSPB and Natural England. The bittern, a threatened relative of the more familiar grey heron, has seen its population rise over the last 15 years from 11 males in 1997 to 104 this year. Last year the survey revealed 87 males. 82 males were … [Read more...] about Bittern numbers recovering according to research
Birds
Whooper swans land early in Scotland
Staff and volunteers at two Wildfowl and Wetland Trust (WWT) sites in the UK have been surprised by the early arrival of Whooper Swans this year. The first Whooper swans of the season have arrived at Welney WWT centre, Norfolk, and at Caerlaverock WWT centre, Scotland. The record-breaking early arrivals are thought to have caught the northerly tail winds from Iceland, … [Read more...] about Whooper swans land early in Scotland
Thames Estuary set for bird invasion
Thousands of migrating birds are expected to take advantage of the rich food sources of the Thames Estuary in the next few weeks. Many of the birds that arrive on the Thames are on their way to Africa or Asia and rely on these feeding grounds to give them enough energy to complete their journey. The Thames Estuary is ranked the fifth most important site for waterbirds … [Read more...] about Thames Estuary set for bird invasion
Falcon spotting at the Tate Modern
Powerful telescopes are being set up to allow visitors to view wild Peregrine Falcons on the Tate Modern building in London. The birds’ nest nearby, but use the Tate’s iconic 100 metre tall chimney as a daytime roost. The Tate pair are believed to be the first to re-colonise London after peregrines vanished from the Capital in the last Century. Since this pair, … [Read more...] about Falcon spotting at the Tate Modern
Little Ringed Plover spotted in Wearside
Visitors to a North East England nature reserve have been rewarded with a wide selection of wading birds, thanks to the dryer than normal conditions. Redshank, green and common sandpiper, oystercatcher and lapwing, are all taking advantage of the lowered water levels and exposed muddy margins on which to feed at Rainton Meadows, Wearside, the headquarters of Durham … [Read more...] about Little Ringed Plover spotted in Wearside