Bee-eaters, which first bred in Norfolk final 12 months, have made an unprecedented return to our shores.
Eight of the colorful birds, together with a nesting pair, have been noticed once more in a sand quarry close to Cromer, and it’s the first time the summer season guests have returned to the identical breeding web site within the UK in consecutive years.
The birds are being carefully monitored by the RSPB, native birders and North-East Norfolk Fowl Membership to make sure their security and permit them to breed undisturbed. Not less than one nesting pair has already been confirmed and it’s anticipated further birds might be a part of them.
A managed public viewing space has now been opened close by, for individuals desirous to see these rainbow arrivals, with full particulars right here.
Eight Bee-eaters have been a sensation once they arrived in Norfolk final 12 months, and birdwatchers are enthusiastic about their return, with many eager to catch a glimpse of the brightly-coloured guests.
Whereas there’s pleasure, there’s additionally concern about why the unique birds are actually nesting right here as an alternative of their favoured Mediterranean habitats. Previously very uncommon breeders within the UK, this 12 months marks the seventh breeding try in England prior to now 20 years. This means they’re trying to ascertain an everyday breeding colony within the UK, a transparent affect of local weather change.
Mark Thomas, from the RSPB, stated: “Bee-eaters are like no different fowl you’re more likely to see within the UK. Not solely are they indescribably lovely, of their ice-lolly colors, however they placed on an excellent present as they leap from a favorite perch to catch flying bugs mid-air.
“Bee-eaters have typically turned up within the UK on a really ad-hoc foundation, to this point by no means re-using the identical nest web site twice. We will’t be sure if these are the identical birds that raised a profitable brood right here final 12 months, however it’s a actual chance. If that’s the case, this might be the beginning of Bee-eaters correctly colonising the UK and an indication that they could develop into an everyday function of the good British summer season.”
He added: “Their return is a vivid reminder of the adjustments being wrought by our overheating planet. Bee-eaters are a species discovered generally within the southern Mediterranean and northern Africa, and as our planet warms they – together with different species – are being pushed additional north.”
Concerning the dimension of a starling, Bee-eaters might be recognized by their crimson backs, blue bellies and yellow throats. In addition to bees, they feed on dragonflies and different flying bugs, which they catch in mid-air. With their lovely rippling calls to match their vibrant colors, they’re an unmistakable customer to have arrived in Norfolk.
RSPB volunteer, Josh Fusiara, who helped handle the positioning when the birds bred there in 2022, stated: “To have been capable of assist handle and defend breeding Bee-eaters within the UK was superb and one thing I’ll always remember. I like that they’re accessible for the general public to see, and there’s an actual sense of group on the viewing web site. To have seen the Bee-eater chicks fledge final summer season was a really particular expertise and a tribute to the sensible work of the entire group.”
The birds are anticipated to stay within the space till the tip of summer season, after which they may fly to southern Africa for the winter.
The viewing space is open to the general public from Friday 16 June, costing £5 per individual to cowl web site monitoring and safety. The location can at present solely settle for money. Extra data on the birds and visiting the positioning might be discovered right here.
Positioned to the east of the quarry, the automotive park and viewing space might be present in a big grass area off Gimingham Highway, Trimingham at TG284384. (What3words w3w.co/forklift.shuts.gravel).
A video about final 12 months’s Bee-eaters might be seen right here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TMCw5s12Hxw
Fundamental picture – Credit score: Mike Edgecombe