Rare Bee-eater Birds seen at CEMEX Nottinghamshire Sand Quarry

Bee-eaters, which are rare visitors to the UK, have been spotted at CEMEX Quarry, located in East Leake, Nottinghamshire. The birds, usually found in Southern Europe, were first spotted last Sunday.

The Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB) said the birds, which feast on bees and other flying insects, are likely to nest at the site and have probably travelled northwards because of climate change.

About a hundred birdwatchers have been to the site since last week, and the number is expected to increase significantly next weekend.

The Nottinghamshire Wildlife Trust, wich works in parthership with CEMEX, said it was the first record of the species in the UK since 1970.  Tim Sexton, from the trust, said bee-eaters prefer to nest in sandy banks, and the quarry simulates those conditions.

• BBC News: http://cmx.to/2tVN7hY
• Nottinghamshire Quarry Biodiversity Action Plan: http://cmx.to/2uuw2bO