As regular CFZ-watchers will know, for some time Corinna has been doing a column for Animals & Men and a regular segment on On The Track... particularly about out-of-place birds and rare vagrants. There seem to be more and more bird stories from all over the world hitting the news these days so, to make room for them all - and to give them all equal and worthy coverage - she has set up this new blog to cover all things feathery and Fortean.

Monday 11 November 2013

Sewage treatment plant attracts rare birds

REED beds planted at a sewage treatment works are becoming an increasingly popular habitat for a wide variety of birds, some of which are extremely rare.

Northumbrian Water’s Birtley sewage works, near Chester-le-Street, has recorded four new species already this year, taking the total since records began in 2006 to 129 different varieties.

One of the new species was a bittern, which is classed as a priority species and is on the RSPB’s red list due to its decline in numbers.

The other new species to visit the site so far this year are little egrets, gadwall and a jack snipe.

Stuart Pudney, of Northumbrian Water, said: “The fact that our sites are secured by fencing makes them ideal for wildlife to flourish undisturbed.

“We also offer access to groups and provide hides at eight of our sites to allow interested people to study birds in a natural environment.

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