There are a very few UK breedings each year, but the species is only increasing very slowly. It is strange because they are not uncommon in Holland and I remember seeing a small group at Minsmere 30 years ago.
During this time the little egret has rapidly built up a significant UK population. The great white egret and the purple heron have both bred here in recent years, so perhaps they will overtake the spoonbills too.
There has been a colony since 2010 at Holkham on the North Norfolk coast. I think there are about a dozen pairs nesting annually; with luck they will increase and spread.
Regarding new arrivals to Britain's breeding waterbirds, here is some good news from Frampton Marsh in Lincolnshire. Hopefully this means there will be a successful breeding attempt by the glossy ibis in the near-future.
Like Little Egret before them, Glossy Ibis are popping up long the South Coast with increasing frequency, a sure indicator they may establish as a breeding species soon.
Like Little Egret before them, Glossy Ibis are popping up long the South Coast with increasing frequency, a sure indicator they may establish as a breeding species soon.
I've seen Glossy Ibis a few times up on the Northumberland coastline - Whitley Bay seems to be a particular hotspot for them. Furthest north I have seen spoonbill is the south Cumbrian coastline.
