Breeding bird has twitchers buzzing at Silverdale nature reserve (From The Westmorland Gazette)

Breeding bird has twitchers buzzing at Silverdale nature reserve

3:26pm Friday 15th June 2012 in Farm & country

A NORTH Lancashire nature reserve has reported its first ever confirmed breeding of Cetti’s warbler.

The little brown bird has been exciting visitors to RSPB Leighton Moss at Silverdale as it usually only breeds in southern England.

Cetti’s warblers are often described as ‘secretive’ because they are difficult to see.

But for their powerful call, they would be almost impossible to identify.

Robin Horner, Leighton Moss site manager, said: “Cetti’s warblers have been heard for a number of winters here, but this is the first time they have been known to stay and breed.

“We are thrilled with this reserve record. It is a great reward for all the hard work we put into making the reedbed such a great habitat for birds and other wildlife to live in.”

Over the past couple of weeks visitors have been treated to seeing the pair of Cetti’s warblers nipping into and out of a willow bush next to the path, with beakfuls of insects, a good indicator that they had young.

Kevin Kelly, the reserve’s information assistant, was lucky enough to spot the parents feeding a fledgling.

He said: “It was absolutely amazing to see the parents feeding their chick. I couldn’t believe what I was seeing, it stopped me in my tracks.

“I have heard the Cetti’s warblers here in the winter before and have been getting glimpses of the adults over the past few days, but to be the first person to see the parents with young has made my week.”