Two rare birds have been spotted at a County Durham nature reserve for the second year running.

Two bitterns have been seen at Rainton Meadows, near Houghton-le-Spring, the headquarters of Durham Wildlife Trust.

They are on the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds’ (RSPB) red list, making them one of the most threatened in the UK.

Last winter was the first recorded sighting of a bittern at the site.

Trust Reserves Manager Mark Richardson said: “The winter months are often the best time of year to spot this hard-to-see bird.

“Their numbers grow in Britain as a result of bitterns trying to escape cold winters on the continent, whilst the snow makes the birds stand out from the reed beds where they hide, and freezing ponds and lakes force the birds to search further afield for food.”

www.bbc.co.uk

Durham Wildlife Trust

Saturday 5th June 2010 11am – 4pm

Free Admission

Learn about wildlife and have fun, with displays and activities for all ages, including rare breed livestock, birds of prey display, conservation exhibits, face painting, tradition crafts, live music and daning, refershments and much more. FREE – no booking requried. Some activites may charge.

 

For further information call Cheryl Nicholson on 0191 512 8948

 

Event information may be subject to change or cancellation, please check before travelling. Sunderland City Council makes every effort to maintain the accuracy of the information on this website but cannot accept responsibility for any error or alteration to details which may occur.