Cold spring causes a decline in corncrake numbers

Corncrakes had been recovering following decades of decline

Numbers of one of Scotland's rarest birds, the corncrake, have dramatically declined, according to RSPB Scotland.

The charity said the number of male birds counted had decreased by 23% from 1,260 in 2012 to 971 in 2013.

It said the cold spring had halted the growth of tall grasses which were essential to the species' habitat and for breeding.

Continued