East Leake Quarry :: 01 July 2017

We joined the increasing number of birdwatchers rushing to a quarry to catch a glimpse of seven bee-eaters usually seen in southern Europe. The bee-eaters, rare visitors to the UK, were spotted at the Cemex quarry, in East Leake, Nottinghamshire. The RSPB said the birds have been seen mating and it may be likely they will nest at the site. One of the few positives of climate change? People obviously know I am interested and started sending me emails on Friday - Difficult to turn up the opportunity.

Arriving at site we could see the RSPB organisation in full flow with a field given over as a car park. Even at this hour there were at least 50 cars parked up. The RSPB staff asked if we needed directions but it was obvious where we had to go ... just follow the line of people heading out or returning to the car park.

Small groups stopped at various points along the path, scopes and cameras pointed at a large tree. We decided not to stop at any of these and walked to the very end of the path - this position afforded the best views as the resting beaches were clear of the foliage.

We spent an hour of so being entertained by the bee-eaters, watching through the scope. Amazing how you get drawn into a single species and hardly notice the sand and house martins buzzing close overhead and virtually through the crowd.

The Nottinghamshire Wildlife Trust had a stand at the best vantage point - it works in partnership with minerals firm Cemex - they said it was the first record of the species in the county since 1970.