Rare spoonbill chick fledges on the Norfolk Broads for the first time in 400 years

Undated handout photo issued by Norfolk Wildlife Trust of a fledgling spoonbill (left) and a parent in flight, as the spoonbill chick is the first fledged since the 17th Century on the Norfolk Broads, a conservation charity has said. Issue date: Tuesday August 8, 2023. Credit: Norfolk Wildlife Trust

Rare spoonbill chicks have fledged on the Norfolk Broads for the first since the 17th century, a conservation charity has announced.

The large white heron-like species, which stands at 3ft tall and has a wingspan of 4ft, is of European conservation concern and a very rare breeding bird in the UK.

Norfolk Wildlife Trust says that a spoonbill chick has successfully hatched at Hickling Broad and Marshes.

It gets its name from its long bill, which has a flat spoon-shaped tip - with its young affectionately nicknamed "teaspoons" on account of their smaller size.

The trust said it was the first known breeding success of the species in the Norfolk Broads for around 400 years.

The charity credited the success to a combination of habitat management and an increasing population of the birds in Britain.

Spoonbill chicks are affectionately known as "teaspoons" because of their smaller size. Credit: Norfolk Wildlife Trust

Robert Smith, Norfolk Wildlife Trust’s senior reserves assistant for Broads North, said: “It has been a privilege to monitor the spoonbills over the past few years at Hickling and now we can officially celebrate the return of a former lost breeding species to the Broadland landscape with the first fledged spoonbill here since the mid-17th century.

“Watching the fledgling flying around the reserve and hearing its trilling begging call as it pesters its parents for food is a truly wonderful sight and sound.

“It shows that our work to enhance the habitats on our reserves and across Norfolk is hugely important to the survival of our wildlife, including visitors such as the spoonbill.”

It is believed that there are just eight breeding sites in England, the trust said.

Fledglings at Hickling will commute between their nest in the trees and the pool at first, then move further afield when brave enough, before the family leave the nest for good and depart south.

Poole Harbour is a key wintering spot for Norfolk breeding spoonbills, the Norfolk Wildlife Trust said.

Experts say the birth of the chicks is a sign that conservation efforts are succeeding. Credit: Norfolk Wildlife Trust

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