Conservation charities team up to expand breeding population

A trio of male corncrake birds, affectionately known as the "three tenors" have been moved to a nature reserve in Cambridgeshire, in hopes of attracting females with their distinctive call.

The birds were carefully selected from the breeding facilities at Pensthorpe Conservation Trust (PCT), and moved to the RSPB's Nene Washes nature reserve.

Partners involved with the project, which is taking place alongside a captive rearing and release programme in England, hope it will help to expand the breeding population in Britain.

Once widespread across the UK, the breed has been diminished by the introduction of mechanical mowing and the intensification of grassland management - in particular the switch from hay-making to silage production.

British corncrakes are now largely found in the Western Isles of Scotland, where population increases have been seen in key sites since the 1990's. The species, however, did not return to England to breed, which led conservationists to launch the Corncrake Reintroduction Project.

Commenting on the project, Chrissie Kelley, head of species management at PCT, said: "We are delighted to have been able to sponsor this ‘gala performance’ and expect the ‘Three Tenors’ to sing their hearts out to help re-establish corncrakes in England."

After being relocated to Nene Washes on April 24, the birds have reportedly settled into their new surroundings well, and are being cared for by RSPB staff.

Image: © Mike Powles