Tuesday 18 May 2010

PURPLE HERONS breeding in Kent




The RSPB has launched a 24-hour vigil on a nesting pair of PURPLE HERONS at one of their reserves in East Kent. After three adults appeared several weeks back, two of them eventually settled down and quickly constructed a nest (the two birds depicted in Adrian Kettle's superb images above). If the attempt proves successful and the young fledge, this will represent the first nesting of this species in this country.

At present, the birds show very infrequently, but it is hoped that once the young fledge, the RSPB can establish an observation platform from where this unique event can be enjoyed (Lee G R Evans)