How about that! Lincolnshire records first breeding success for black-winged stilts at RSPB Frampton Marsh

                                                         

How the RSPB reported the breeding  success on Twitter this afternoon

A PAIR of black-winged stilts have made history by becoming the first known example of the species to breed in Lincolnshire.

The happy news was announced this afternoon by the team at the RSPB nature reserve at Frampton Marsh, near Boston.

The hen laid four eggs all of which have hatched, with the chicks already running free from the nest.

Staff spotted that the birds were nesting last month, but asked reserve visitors to keep the news under wraps for fear that egg-collectors might swoop.

The chicks are at a very vulnerable stage in their lives - at risk of adverse weather or predation from other creatures, birds included.

But each day that they survive increases the prospect that they will reach adulthood.

Once word gets out via news media, the reserve is likely to see a significant increase in visitors.

Admission for adults is just £3 or free for RSPB members.

However, be aware that, at least for the time being, close-up views are not guaranteed.

The stilt family have made their home in long grass and reeds some distance from the visitor centre, and sometimes they are invisible from view.    

* Last year, Yorkshire recorded its first stilt-breeding success, and there could be more news from other parts of Britain later this month given that, so far this year, there have already more than 80 sightings from up and down the land.

   

Top secret! Frampton's notice board (above) with its special pre-today message (below)