Spoonbills Breed at Abberton Reservoir

8th July 2021

Twenty years ago a Spoonbill at Abberton would have been a rare occurrence, but in recent years they have been turning up more regularly and this year they have bred for the very first time. The nest was high in a tree to the west of Layer Breton causeway and here are some shots of the adults at the nest.

In recent weeks they have been a common sight flying from the nest and across the reservoir to feed and collect yet more twigs for the nest.

On one occasion one of the adults flew straight at me close to the causeway, and with a prime lens all that I could get was a head shot. Still, mustn't grumble.

Two young have hatched and they will leave the nest in four weeks time but will stay nearby, and should be free-flying by the end of August.

So watch this space!!