One of Britain”s most threatened songbirds is continuing its fightback from the brink of extinction in Cornwall.
This is according to a new survey conducted by the RSPB and Natural England, which showed that numbers of the cirl bunting have increased by 25 per cent since 2003, with 862 breeding pairs spotted during 2009.
However, the fact that the species is still confined to Devon and Cornwall means birdwatchers wanting to catch a glimpse of the cirl bunting in its native habitat may find booking a Cornwall holiday cottage and packing their binoculars is the way to go.
Director of conservation for the RSPB Mark Avery described the results as "fantastic news".
"We are all very excited that these fascinating birds are starting to make a comeback," he remarked.
A Biodiversity Action Plan focusing on preserving the cirl bunting was established by the government in 1998, with the aim being to raise the UK population to 1.050 by 2010, a target that has already been passed.
Posted by Toby Lawrence
