Tracking twites for new insights

摘要

OVER the next few weeks wildlife experts will learn a lot more about the life of a rare and secretive bird as they use technology to take a closer look at England's most southerly twite population. The twite is a songbird that, without help, may disappear completely from England. The decline of the species is so concerning that it is on the conservation 'Red List'. Twite numbers have suffered as the availability of autumn seeds as well as mature heather and bracken have become scarcer, resulting in less food and fewer suitable nesting sites. There are only 170 pairs left in the country, and despite Dove Holes Quarry, near Buxton, Derbyshire being home to less than 10 pairs, it represents a significant population.