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| Home : Breckland Wildlife : Breckland Birds | ||||
| For many birdwatchers the main purpose of visiting Breckland is to see some of the national scarce breeding species that the area is famous for, notably Woodlark, Stone Curlew, Nightjar and Golden Pheasant. However, the bird life of Breckland is much richer than this, providing many opportunities for glimpses of some wonderful birds. | ||||
| The wild and open landscape that originally dominated Breckland, favoured open-country species like Stone Curlew, Woodlark, Wheatear and Great Bustard. Although the last Great Bustard was shot in 1838, populations of the other three species remain. Some 159 pairs of Stone Curlew were reported breeding within the Brecks during 1999, along with 599 singing male Woodlarks. The Wheatear breeding population numbers less than 20 pairs within the STANTA training area, with only occasional pairs breeding elsewhere in Breckland. This is one species that has suffered from the disappearance of the warrens and the loss of short Rabbit-grazed turf. |
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The dominant stands of plantation woodland provide nesting opportunities for Woodlark and Nightjar, with both species utilizing the younger stages of planting. The first Nightjars typically arrive in the second week of May, providing an eerie backdrop of nocturnal churring as they establish breeding territories. The 1998 survey coordinated by Mark Evans from the University of East Anglia reported 405 churring males, representing a 27% increase on the previous survey in 1992. With a national breeding population estimated at 3,400 pairs, the Breckland population represents in excess of 10% of the national population. Other parts of Breckland are under arable cultivation and within this intensively managed landscape are the main breeding populations of Stone Curlew and other waders like Lapwing, Ringed Plover and Oystercatcher. However, the best place to see Stone Curlews remains the Norfolk Wildlife Trust reserve at Weeting Heath. Stone Curlews are prone to disturbance and remain a target of egg collectors, so please only watch them at Weeting Heath. Trespass onto private farmland will attract the attention of both landowners and the police through a high profile collaboration to catch illegal egg collectors. |
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| Last updated: 02 February 2003 16:16 | ||||
