Reserve gets birds birthday treat

Corncrake are classed as a threatened species

Conservationists celebrating the 40th anniversary of the opening of a nature reserve have been given good news about its best-known, but rarest, resident.

RSPB Scotland's Balranald reserve in the Western Isles only had a handful of corncrakes when it launched in 1966.

However, 40 of the secretive birds have been recorded so far this year.

Corncrake are classed as a threatened species by the RSPB and the 640 hectare Balranald reserve is considered one of the best places in the UK to see them.

The site has three owners - the Scottish Executive Environment and Rural Affairs Department (Seerad), the Church of Scotland and North Uist Estates - and involves 30 resident crofters.

Jamie Boyle, RSPB Scotland's Uist warden, said: "It's amazing for us to hit the 40 corncrake mark on the reserve - especially in our 40th birthday year."

The society said many of the Hebridean and Western Isles, including Coll, Tiree and the Uists now, had corncrake populations in three-figures.

There are also populations on Islay and Iona.

Young birds from some islands have been relocated to boost a reintroduction project in eastern England.