Bee-eaters attempt to nest in North Norfolk!
The European bee-eater occurs in Britain mainly as a spring overshoot. Until the late 20th century the species was a national rarity. However, increasing numbers meant that it was downgraded to a "scarce migrant" from 1991 onwards and a flock of at least nine European bee-eaters was seen near Great Yarmouth (behind McDonalds) and in other locations throughout the summer of 2021.
In June 2022 seven individuals took up residence at a quarry in Trimingham, near Cromer. The RSPB set up a viewpoint and the birds were viewed by hundreds of excited people (including myself). At least one pair began to excavate a nesting burrow and raised chicks. In 2023 several birds returned to the same Trimingham quarry; the first time that this species has nested at the same locality in the UK.
Previously I had only seen this species in South Africa!
