Thousands of migrant birds arrive back in Castleford, including the Black-necked Grebe
Thousands of migrant birds have been arriving back into Castleford this month from their African and offshore wintering areas, as the breeding season is about to begin.
After spending the winter months predominantly further south and around the coast, Black-necked Grebes have begun arriving at RSPB St Aidan’s, where the nature park is home to around 30 per cent of the UK population of this rare and vulnerable species.
Nearby, the large and growing heronry at RSPB Fairburn Ings is now packed full of displaying and nesting Grey Herons, Cormorants, Spoonbills, Little and Cattle Egrets making it a must-see breeding bird spring spectacular.
The magic of spring has well and truly arrived across RSPB nature reserves in Yorkshire where visitors are flocking in their thousands to hear Skylarks singing, Bitterns booming and the unforgettable sound of summer from the Cuckoo.
Richard Barnard, the RSPB’s Area Manager for Yorkshire, said: “Across all our nature reserves in the region, we work hard to maintain the perfect habitat conditions for birds and it’s a real privilege to be able to share them with thousands of visitors here in Yorkshire.
“Many species such as Lapwings, Cuckoos and Puffins are sadly in decline but there is still time to turn this around. And every visit to our nature reserves helps support our vital conservation work in Yorkshire.
“Wildlife tourism is booming and we are expecting another bumper year, especially as the Staycation effect is already happening. Last year was Bempton’s best year ever for visitor numbers, and we’re hoping to beat it again this year.”