Several Bee-eaters – a spectacular bird, which usually breeds in southern Europe and North Africa birds – have been spotted at CEMEX’s East Leake Quarry near Loughborough, Leicestershire.   The Bee-eaters have certainly created a lot of interest, so much so that special security and RSPB wardens are currently resident at the site to ensure everyone’s safety including the birds.

The management of the site is being co-ordinated by Wayne Strevens, Area Operations Manager and Scott Saunders, AQM, is present at the site itself. A local farmer has kindly lent his nearby field for car parking and to date over 100 cars have parked there, with a special viewing point set up in the Quarry’s car park.

First spotted on Sunday 25th June it is believed that there are now seven birds present on the site and there appears to be at least one nest hole.  The Bee-eater is colonial and nest in burrows often in sand banks, with both potential parents excavating the burrow. The birds are nesting alongside sand martins, in a dedicated sand pile away from the operations.  If they breed the birds are likely to stay around seven weeks and then be on their way having enjoyed the first class ‘accommodation’ at East Leake.