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Bee-eater, Common Crane, Cuckoo, Hoopoe, Kingfisher
This page is a convenient collection of one-off species.
Kingfisher
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Bee-eater - This beautiful bird is a rare visitor to the UK but becoming more frequent, as the climate warms. They have made a few breeding attempts here. They will club together in small groups to help raise a clutch of chicks. These photos are of seven individuals that settled on a Notts quarry for several weeks and attempted to breed, in 2017.
Bird with a bee. They destroy the sting by whacking it against a branch, before swallowing it.
Common Crane - A once established species in the UK that became extinct. Thanks to a few prospecting individuals settling in Norfolk and some introduced specimens in Somerset they are once again establishing resident populations here. Our tallest bird. Always a sight to see, especially in flight.
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All photos taken at WWT Slimbridge.
Cuckoo - A short stay summer migrant (Apr-Jul). They are known as 'brood parasites', as the female always lays her eggs in the nests of other birds and leaves them to raise her young. They generally parasitise the nests of species such as Meadow Pipit, Reed Warbler and Dunnock. Their much bigger hatchling turfs the family's own chicks out of the nest, so they can take all the food that's brought in. Despite this unpleasant habit, most people love to hear the cuckoo's distinctive call in Spring. The species has declined rapidly in recent years unfortunately.
Photos 1&2 are of a pair, taken at Highgate Common in S.Staffs in June. 3 at RSPB Lakenheath & 4 - Whixall Moss, Shrops in May.
Hoopoe - Like the Bee-eater this is another rare visitor to the UK from warmer climes. They are also becoming more frequent with climate change. They are fairly common in Africa, India and Southern Europe. The bird photo'd here was a rare treat indeed. He settled near Wall Heath in the West Mids, for nearly an entire Winter (2015/16). He appeared well out of place but seemed to thrive.
Kingfisher - One of our favourite British birds. Everyone loves to see a Kingfisher. They're stunning little birds and great to watch, if you're lucky enough to spot them. I was surprised how small they were when I saw my first few. For many years all I ever saw was a flash of turquoise whilst walking beside a river or canal. Many water reserves push sticks into the mud in front of hides, to give you a great chance to see them close-up, take photos and watch them fish.
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These photos were all taken from bird hides.
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