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Avocets breeding in Northumberland30/06/2011 00:49:31
Avocets and chicks at Cresswell Pond, photo Will Dawes June 2011. As the bird breeding season comes to a close, Northumberland Wildlife Trust is delighted that a total of 8 rare adult avocet birds settled at Cresswell Pond Nature Reserve (behind Druridge Bay) in Northumberland and attempted to breed. At least seven chicks have hatched to date, with one being ringed by a licensed member of the Northumbria Ringing Group, which will allow the wildlife charity to track its movements in the future. The black and white wader with a long, thin, curled beak was absent from Britain for many years, mainly due to the reclamation of its coastal salt marsh and saline lagoon habitats, and persecution from skin and egg collectors. Until this year, the most northerly breeding site for avocets was at WWT Washington, on the banks of the River Wear.The avocets were attracted to Cresswell Pond because of the saline condition of the sand fats and it is hoped that this years birds will return to Cresswell the same time next year with others following to help build up the colony. Northumberland Wildlife Trust would like to thank the local police, volunteers and local bird watchers for guarding the birds and their chicks round the clock since the middle of May.
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