Hand-reared godwits from Norfolk found safe and sound in Portugal

PUBLISHED: 14:39 08 February 2018 | UPDATED: 17:03 08 February 2018

Andrew Stone

Two black-tailed godwits from Norfolk that were among the first ever British wading birds to be released into the wild under a new conservation technique have been spotted alive and well – 1,200 miles away in Portugal.

The birds were among 26 that conservationists hatched and reared by hand before releasing under a process known as ‘headstarting’.

After release the birds joined wild flocks and this is the first time any of them have been outside the UK.

Dutch ornithologists reported seeing the birds among a flock on the Tagus Estuary near Lisbon.

The team from RSPB and WWT behind “Project Godwit” has welcomed the news that their protégés have migrated safely.

Continued  

Hand-reared godwits take flight from Welney as they fly south for the winter

Published: 13:35 Monday 04 September 2017 

A total of 26 black-tailed godwits, hand-reared at WWT Welney have spread their wings for warmer climes. The first-time adventurers were released from their aviary only eleven weeks ago and have already been sighted in various locations along the north Norfolk coast thanks to the sharp eyes of site staff and local birdwatchers. 

Two siblings have even been spotted together at RSPB Old Hall Marshes in Essex. 

Baby black-tailed godwits were headstarted by staff at WWT in Welney as part of a Project Godwit aimed at helping the endangered species. It is hoped they will eventually all join other black-tailed godwits as far away as Africa in the coming months. The eggs of the endangered birds were collected from the wild by RSPB and WWT staff and hatched and raised in captivity to boost their chances of reaching maturity. Dr Baz Hughes, head of conservation action at WWT, said: “All 26 birds have now dispersed from the Ouse Washes and sightings are starting to come in from the south of England.
Read more at: