Purple herons have hatched at RSPB Dungeness!
25th June 2010, FridayThe pair of purple herons that started nesting on the reserve in early May, are believed to have bred successfully, with increased activity around the nest.
We are seeing more frequent changeovers at the nest, one bird returning from a feeding foray at regular intervals, presumably to deliver food to the awaiting chicks. As this bird approaches the nest often with head and chin feathers raised, its partner normally rises from the nest, after a short greeting ceremony that involves much calling from within the reedbed and departs to nearby marshland.
It is the first time ever that the UK has hosted a breeding pair of purple herons and we set up a round-the-clock Species Protection Scheme to give the birds as good a chance of breeding as possible. It seems to have paid off with the pair at Dungeness looking set to be the first to successfully breed in the UK.
In order to allow people to enjoy this historic wildlife moment, we are setting up a viewing station, with staff on hand to help visitors spot the birds. The purple heron Date with Nature starts this Saturday (26 June) and runs through until Sunday 4 July from 11am to 4pm daily. Visitors should park near the Visitor Centre, from where there is a one-mile walk to the viewpoint. Binoculars and telescopes will be available at the viewpoint. Normal reserve entry fees apply. RSPB members free. Non-members: adults £3, concessions £2, children £1, family ticket £6.
Although sightings can’t be guaranteed the chance of seeing the birds is increasing daily. They are making more frequent, shorter flights within the Denge Marsh area, bringing food into the nest. It is not yet known how many chicks have hatched and confirmation will only be possible when the young fledge in a few weeks time.
Although purple herons have struggled in Europe over the last few decades, experts say the numbers of breeding purple herons are expected to increase in the UK in the years to come. They are high up on the list of birds expected to be seen setting up home in southern Britain as the changing climate pushes them further north. This highlights the importance of wildlife havens like Dungeness in providing space for species displaced by global warming.