Surfbirds News: July 2007 Archives
RSPB chalk grassland manager Tracé Williams said: 'This is really exciting news. The Great Bustard Group are to be congratulated on their achievements so far and we hope that this will be the first of many bustards breeding here in the future.'
GBG made the announcement today (Monday 23 July) some time after the birds' nest was discovered, in order to minimise the risk of eggs being stolen or disturbance. Sadly, the great bustards' breeding attempt was not successful. The eggs were incubated by a female bird, but subsequently abandoned. After examination, the eggs were found to be infertile.
The RSPB is working closely with farmers and landowners in the area to advise on habitat creation and management to support the species, along with other farmland birds.
Great Bustard, copyright Ian Tew
Great bustards need a mixture of chalk grassland, with lots of insects in summer, and farmland providing cereal food in the winter. They particularly favour the areas being managed for stone-curlews, a secretive migrant from southern Europe and Asia, which breeds in the area every year.
Ms Williams added: 'Three female bustards have been regularly using restored chalk grassland at one of our nature reserves in the area – which just goes to show the value of habitat management work.'
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