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Return of the elusive nightjar |
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A
nightjar with chick and egg - pictured at night
Photo: Devon Wildlife Trust |
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The
rare nocturnal nightjar has been spotted at a South Devon heath for
the first time in 10 years - sparking hopes of a possible revival
of the bird in the area. |
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The nightjar
has returned to Bovey Heathfield in South Devon after an absence of
10 years.
Conservationists
at Devon Wildlife Trust, who manage the heath, made the discovery
during an event held one night this summer to look and listen out
for the bird.
It's believed there are at least four of the birds - and that they
might even be breeding.
It's great news, as the nightjar is internationally endangered. It's
on the 'red' list of threatened birds in the UK, with just 2,000 pairs
left in the country.
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| Bovey
Heathfield |
Their
return to Bovey Heathfield comes after a project by the Devon Wildlife
Trust to restore habitat at the heath.
For years, the heath has been neglected and used by off-road bikers.
Stephen Carroll, of the trust, said: "It just goes to show that
once you've cleared all the rubbish and stopped the disturbance of
off-road bikes and cars, the wildlife gradually comes back.
"The return of the nightjar was a key target for our project,
so we are really happy to see it this year."
The trust's management of the site has been boosted by new funding
from the Hanson Environment Fund. Donations from the aggregate firm
now amount to over £15,000.
Article written: 6th August 2004
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