Black-winged Stilts breed in Somerset
A pair of Black-winged Stilts has successfully hatched two chicks at WWT Steart Marshes for the very first time – the only known breeding of the species in Britain this summer.
The waders have settled in a secluded area of the wetlands, building their nest on a small island of mud within the freshwater area to deter predators. The chicks hatched yesterday [Thursday 9 July] and will attended to by their parents until they fledge.
One of the two hatched Black-winged Stilt chicks with the adult female at WWT Steart (WWT).
This is the only known pair of stilts to have staged in the UK this year. Previous breeding efforts have generally only taken place in south-east England – indeed, it is thought that this is the furthest west Black-winged Stilt have ever nested.
Alys Laver, Site Manager at WWT Steart, welcomed the news. She said: "We were thrilled to discover a pair of rare Black-winged Stilts nesting by the muddy areas in the freshwater marsh. They are very unusual visitors to this side of the country and it shows how valuable this developing marsh is to waders.
"By acutely managing water levels throughout the year, we can make sure that the mud is moist and teeming with juicy invertebrates for the birds to feast on with those large, pointy beaks, as well as help to protect the nest. It's all about getting the swamp community just right.
"The Steart Marshes are just six years old, and it goes to show how quickly new wetlands can support amazing wildlife. If you create it, they will come!"
The birds have picked a sheltered part of the reserve which is fenced off, surrounded by deep water with plenty of cover overhead from wetland plants. Reserve staff have also covered posts with bird deterrents close to the nest to help stop predators potentially targeting their young. In 2014, a clutch hatched in North Kent, 30 years after the previous British breeding attempt. Then, in 2017, 13 stilts are known to have fledged in southern England.
Alys continued: "It's early days and we don't want to get ahead of ourselves. However these birds are faithful to their breeding sites, so who knows, one day we might have a small population at Steart. In the meantime we’ll be doing all we can to make sure Steart is an attractive a home as possible for this striking waterbird as well as other wetland animals."
Viewing arrangements
It will be possible to see the stilts over the weekend of 11-12 July between 08:00 and 18:00. Please note that there is no access outside these hours, and that gates to viewing area will be locked.
Access is from the main car park only and visitors must adhere to on-site signage. Remember to maintain social distancing measures while on site. Note that viewing is restricted to three people at a time from a distance of about 250 m. The adults are easily seen, but the chicks are very elusive. Please be patient and prepared to return at a later time if there is a queue. Viewing arrangements for next week will be released on Sunday 12th.