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, 31 March 2014

Farmland birds flock to Isle, says RSPB


Isle residents know that the area they live in is the best in Britain - and now so do the nation’s farmland birds.

A report from the RSPB has says the Isle of Axholme stands out as one of the best places to spot arable birds such as corn bunting, grey partridge, lapwing, tree sparrow, turtle dove and yellow wagtail.

RSPB farmland conservation advisor Kirsty Brannan said: “The reason why this area stands out as one of the best places in England for farmland birds is because it still has good numbers of bird species that are particularly dependent on arable farming and that are no longer widespread throughout most of the countryside.

“A separate project which the RSPB worked with the BTO (British Trust for Ornithology), Natural England and local bird clubs brought together all records of these particular birds, and highlighted parts of the country where most of these species could still be found.

“While many farmland birds are still a common site almost wherever you go, such as skylark and yellowhammer, these six have become more scarce, so it’s especially exciting to find an area where all of them may be doing well.

“The bird monitoring work started last year. Clearly something about the Isle of Axholme is helping these birds, and we’re keen to work with local farmers to understand why.”

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