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 22 January 2018

Record breaking increase in Scottish Corn Buntings


The hard work of local farmers and estates in Angus and the East Neuk of Fife has been heralded as the reason behind the continued improvement of the fortunes of Corn Buntings.

This year’s survey results, which were announced by RSPB Scotland, revealed that last year’s record increase in Corn Bunting territories in Fife has been broken. While predictions that 2017 would be a good year for Corn Buntings in Angus have proved correct.

This year, in Fife, Corn Bunting numbers have increased by 26.2%, with 142 Corn Bunting territories recorded. This is the highest increase in Corn Bunting numbers in Fife in any single year since records began and surpasses 2016’s record 18% increase.

In Angus, Corn Bunting numbers have increased by 26.3%. This includes a range expansion towards Montrose, where six new Corn Bunting territories were found. It was predicted that Corn Buntings in Angus would have a good 2017 after it was confirmed that all Corn Buntings in that county would have access to the ‘Big Three’: safe nesting spaces, winter seed food and summer insect food for the chicks within one mile of their breeding territories this year.

RSPB Scotland have praised the dedication, passion and commitment of all those involved in the Corn Bunting Recovery Project. Yvonne Stephan is a Conservation Advisor for RSPB Scotland and helps run the Project. She said: “This record breaking increase of Corn Buntings is just absolutely amazing! I wouldn’t have dared to dream of such fantastic results in such a short period of time and it’s extremely encouraging that the Corn Bunting management is working that well. It shows what a difference the joint efforts and commitment of all the wonderful people on this project makes.”



20 December 2017


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