Migrant Bird Species - Little Egret, Firecrest, Cetti's Warbler - Now Breeding, Nesting In Sussex

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Record numbers of rare birds are breeding in Sussex, newly released figures have revealed. Statistics released by the Rare Birds Breeding Panel (RBBP) show that birds which once would only visit the county are now staying to nest.

The Little Egret, which until 1996 had never bred in Sussex, now has 17 breeding pairs at six sites. The Firecrest population in Sussex has increased, going from 23 breeding pairs in 2005 to 64.

The most likely reason for the increase in rare birds in the county is climate change and milder winters. Ten years ago there were fewer than ten breeding pairs of the Cetti’s Warbler. The latest figures show there are now 48 pairs. Dartford Warblers have more than doubled their numbers from 48 in 1996 to a minimum of 106.

Birds that prefer milder weather can find food in Sussex, encouraging them to stay or migrate here rather than staying on the continent.

EDIT

http://www.theargus.co.uk/news/4285365.Record_numbers_of_rare_birds_breeding_in_Sussex/