Purbeck nature reserve to allow access to mysterious Nightjar bird

23rd May

By Alex Cutler  @dorsetechoalexReporter

 Experience one of RSPB Arne's most mysterious birds in a stunning and exclusive part of the nature reserve not usually open to the public

Ellie Sunderland, RSPB Arne Visitor Experience Officer, said: “Folklore has named the nightjar goat sucker, corpse-fowl, and scissor grinder. Come along and learn more about the heathland and why it's a crucial home to the nightjar and other special wildlife."

These walks take place on Thursday evenings throughout June and July with the option of a two-course meal beforehand enjoyed at the on-site cafe. Vegetarian options are available too.

The walks take place between 8pm and 10.30pm and cost £25 per person, or £20 for RSPB members.

Booking is required so go to arnenightjarwalks2019.eventbrite.co.uk

For full information visit: www.rspb.org.uk/arne

Source

Three bird species removed from UK's Red List

By Herts & Essex Observer  |  Posted: December 05, 2015

Three species removed from UK’s red list of bird

Three species have been removed from the Red List of birds of highest conservation concern following the latest assessment of the status of the UK's 244 bird species.

The report – Birds of Conservation Concern 4 – contains good news for some of the East of England's most recognisable wildlife and demonstrates that targeted conservation action can make a real difference.

Bittern, nightjar and dunlin have been downgraded from the Red List to the Amber List. Both bittern and nightjar owe their improved status to targeted actions that have triggered a boost in numbers.

Eastern England is home to more than half of the UK's bitterns – a type of heron extinct in the UK at the turn of the 20th century and famous for its booming call. In 1997, they were heading towards a second extinction, with only 11 booming males recorded in England.

Bitterns are one of the species that have benefitted from protection and resources made available under the EU Nature Directives in the form of special protection areas and EU funding for conservation, which have been central to some of the UK's biggest wildlife success stories. This year, 150 booming males were counted in England and Wales, more than at any time since the early 1800s.

Read more: 

PICTURES: Devon photographer captures rare nightjar chicks hatching on Dartmoor

A Devon wildlife photographer and policeman has captured extremely rare pictures of Britain's most reclusive bird hatching.

The stunning images show not only an adult nightjar incubating two eggs - but also captures the whole hatching process.

The new-born chicks are barely recognisable, with nothing more than a beak and fur on show - and are a far cry from the adult's frog-like features.

Nightjars are a rare sight in the UK and are widely considered to be the most reclusive bird in the Britain.

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Rare nightjar seen at nature reserve

Dave BeasleySaturday, July 12, 2014 

1:20 PM

A rare bird, of which there are just 2,000 pairs in the UK, has been caught on camera at Exmouth’s Bystock Nature Reserve.

The number of birds, whose population had been decimated because of the change to their habitat over decades, has recovered thanks to the work of wildlife charities and local volunteers. Their distinctive drill-like call rings out loud and is unmistakable.

They were once called the goatsucker, as it was believed it fed from goat’s milk during the night.

They are mainly nocturnal birds, spending most of the day on the ground, with very large eyes and a large gape to catch insects, mainly moths.

John Deakins spotted the bird and took a few snaps and added: “I have been fortunate enough to watch and photograph nightjars at Bystock for several years.

“These migrant birds are nocturnal and during the day will rest and blend into their ground nests by camouflaging themselves as tree bark.”

A spokesman for the Devon Wildlife Trust (DWT) said: “They are a beautiful bird and a local group of volunteers has adopted the area. Nightjars like a mixture of habitats, heathland and young trees and the work from the local group with advice from the DWT over the last five to ten years has made the difference.”

Source

Technology tracks the elusive Nightjar

Date:

July 21, 2014

Source:

Newcastle University

Summary:

Bioacoustic recorders could provide us with vital additional information to help us protect rare and endangered birds such as the European nightjar, new research has shown. The study found that newly developed remote survey techniques were twice as effective at detecting rare birds as conventional survey methods.

Continued

Rare mystical bird returns to habitat in New Forest

One of our most mystical native birds, the rare nightjar, appears to be thriving in the New Forest following historic declines in the rest of the UK.

Early results of a survey jointly funded by the New Forest National Park Authority, the Forestry Commission and the New Forest Verderers as part of the New Forest Higher Level Stewardship (HLS) scheme, show the nightjar population appears to be returning to the New Forest.

http://www.itv.com/news/meridian/update/2013-11-13/rare-mystical-bird-returns-to-habitat-in-new-forest/