Bee-eater chicks hatch in Norfolk

The RSPB has revealed that the European Bee-eaters breeding near Trimingham, on the east Norfolk coast, now have young.

Close monitoring by the wardening team on site has shown a noticeable step-up in feeding activity by the adult birds, with insect prey being delivered to at least one of the nests with greater regularity than before.

One of the adult European Bee-eaters at the nest site (Ian Bollen).

Many thousands of visitors have travelled to see the birds since it was announced on BBC Springwatch on 16 June that they were nesting.

While their arrival has been widely celebrated, many have pointed out that it is a reminder of rapid climatic warming that is occuring worldwide. Although this may have some positives for certain wildlife, these will be greatly outnumbered by the detrimental effects of such heating.

The RSPB said in a statement: "We can't ignore this stark reminder of our overheating planet. Like canaries down the coal mine, the bee-eaters' presence in the UK is an early warning of what climate change has in store for us all.

"Searing temperatures, as experienced in the UK this week, will become normal if action isn't taken to curb greenhouse gas emissions. So as we wish these birds the best, we also urge the next prime minister to honour the commitment to reach net zero by 2045 and prioritise nature's recovery."