Where to See Bee-Eaters
In appearance, the Euronean Bee-Eater is one of the most exotic of European birds, and we’ve enjoyed watching them in Spain and Portugal for many years.
Bee-Eaters in Valbuena – Northern Spain
Three years ago I wrote of our visit to Valbuena at the end of April when we saw an assembled Bee-eater colony in full display. https://woodcockwood.com/the-european-bee-eater/.
This year (2023) we were there in the second week of May, and immediately could hear their busy bustling call. I climbed the steep sandy slope, peered through the bushes, and there on the same display tree were two of the colony.
In 2019 the colony was in the process of nuptual display. Coming mid-May this year, they were probably at the stage of renovating the nesting burrows and perhaps laying.
They often use the display tree as their hunting platform, making short forays or longer flights in search of bees. wasps and other large insects.
Bee-eaters are such a delight to hear and to see, and it was good to know the nesting site in Valbuena is still active.
Bee-Eaters in the UK
The European Bee-eater is a summer migrant to the mediterranean region. Although their numbers are in decline in some areas, their overall population appears to be stable1 and it is still relatively easy to see them in countries such as Spain and Portugal.
In Britain, they are regarded as a rare visitor. In 2021 there were 133 confirmed sightings, which is the continuation of a clear and increasing trend. Data from this year is incomplete, but already groups of up to 14 individuals have been recorded in 20 locations throughout the UK. 2
This year also marks a key change in their status because a group of eight birds are occupying a nestsite in Trimingham near Cromer, in Norfolk, and at least one pair are nesting. It is particularly significant that they have returned to the same site as last year, suggesting perhaps a colony has been established, which would be a first for the UK.
The nesting site is protected and being monitored by the RSPB, but is open to visitors who are required to pay a small fee to observe these lovely birds. For more details see: https://www.rspb.org.uk/our-work/rspb-news/rspb-news-stories/buzz-as-rare-rainbow-birds-set-up-summer-home-in-norfolk/
Exciting News … but should we be worried?
The European Bee-Eater is among an increasing number of southern species that are extending their range northwards as a result of the impact of climate change. Birds such as the Dartford and Cetti’s Warblers, Spoonbills and Egrets are among many that are becoming more frequent visitors to our shores.
But the impact of climate change, of course, should not be a cause for celebration, quite the opposite. While we in the UK are able to enjoy some benefits brought about by our changing climate, we should be fearful of its overall consequences.
Note 1: Birdlife International Data Zone: http://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/european-bee-eater-merops-apiaster
Note 2: British Birds, July 2023, Vol.116, 361-420.
For Site Index and Full List of Birds Discussed: https://woodcockwood.com/site-contents-and-index/
[…] In 2023 they were recorded nesting near Cromer in Norfork for the second year running. https://woodcockwood.com/where-to-see-bee-eaters/ […]
What beautiful birds. We see a lot of Egrets in our bit of Sussex but no bee eaters as yet. I suppose – in desperate search of a silver lining of sorts – their return to Cromer at least means there are still plentiful bees in Norfolk!
Thanks Miriam … I’ve been doing a bit of research on sightings of Bee-Eaters in the UK over the last couple of years. I think it’s worth including the results in the main body of the blog. I will update.