Quarries continue to be a ‘home of choice’ for birds of prey

RSPB survey records buzzards and kestrels in residence at more than a third of CEMEX UK sites

QUARRIES are great places for birds of prey, particularly buzzards and kestrels, a new RSPB study has shown. Teaming up with CEMEX UK, the RSPB surveyed 70 of the company’s quarry managers about the birds of prey seen at their sites.

Buzzards and kestrels remain in the top two ‘spots’ and are reported at more than a third of sites. The RSPB and CEMEX say they are delighted to be helping kestrels (pictured), which are suffering a widespread decline throughout the UK. Since 1995 their numbers have dropped by 28%.

Quarry manager Alan Smith said: ‘I have been working for CEMEX for the past 27 years and I am still excited to see the different species that visit or are residential at our quarry. Over the years we have thought about our method of working and restored areas to accommodate some species, particularly sand martins and little ringed plovers.

‘I have seen a large increase in the common buzzard, and summer visitors include hobby, which like to hunt the sand martins. We also had a visit from two red kites this year, which was great.’

Other findings of the survey show that peregrine falcons raised broods at several quarry sites again last year, with at least 14 chicks fledging successfully. Peregrines are generally doing well in the UK but this has not always been the case.

During the 1960s peregrine numbers fell to an all time low as a result of widespread use of pesticides. Since the withdrawal of some of the most potent pesticides numbers have risen in the UK to around 1,400 pairs.

For the first time, marsh harriers were reported at quarries and at least two chicks fledged successfully at one of the nesting sites. Marsh harriers have also made a great comeback since the 1970s.

Commenting on the CEMEX/RSPB partnership, the RSPB’s CEMEX biodiversity advisor, Dr Sam Tarrant, said: ‘Against a backdrop of cuts in public expenditure, initiatives like this become all the more important. Bringing together the expertise of CEMEX UK and the RSPB means that we have a team which can deliver real biodiversity benefits and create special areas that local communities can enjoy.’