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
