An RSPB site is celebrating the return of rare breeding birds not seen in the area since the 17th century.

Staff at the RSPB Ouse Washes reserve in the Cambridgeshire Fens expressed their delight at the presence of three pairs of breeding spoonbills, the first known to nest in the region in nearly 360 years.

Spoonbills disappeared from the UK in 1668 due to over-hunting and habitat destruction.

These snow-white birds, recognised by their distinctive spoon-shaped beaks, have led the RSPB to affectionately nickname the chicks “teaspoons.”

While spoonbills were common in the 16th century, successful breeding did not occur in the UK for over 300 years.

The first regular breeding colony was established in 2010 at Holkham Nature Reserve in Norfolk, now the UK’s largest.

Jonathan Taylor, senior site manager at RSPB Ouse Washes, said: “I have been working for the RSPB for over 30 years, and it is a career highlight to see spoonbills again.

“I did not expect to see a spoonbill here. I was very surprised when I saw one in mid-June this year.

“I felt quite emotional when I picked out the very distinctive bird through my view finder – I could not believe it.”

Mr. Taylor noted that the Ouse Washes reserve, near Manea, currently hosts three breeding pairs of spoonbills, each with three chicks.

“There are believed to be about 90 breeding pairs across the country at nine different sites,” he said.

“Our ones seem to know what they are doing – even though I’m sure it is the first time they have nested.”

He said sightings of the breeding birds had resulted in “a lot of interest in the return of such an iconic wetland bird” on social media and among ornithological clubs.

“The Ouse Washes are generally very wet in the spring, but we must thank neighbouring farmers too for the return of the spoonbill,” said Mr Taylor.

“They have created small wetlands to diversify their land-holding and the birds feed there, too.

“We have had spoonbills down as a targeted species to re-introduce here for some time.”

 

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