Golden Oriels

Other sites for this species would probably be not publicised until after the event (and then only in vague terms!) but it looks like there aren't any at the moment anyway. The Rare Breeding Birds reports, published in British Birds magazine, say that the species has bred at only one site (Lakenheath) since 2003. There was no confirmed breeding even at Lakenheath in 2010.  A couple of decades back there were higher numbers across a wider area, in 1990 for example there were up to 42 pairs, mainly in East Anglia but also elsewhere in southern England. You can see the Rare Breeding Birds reports here: http://www.rbbp.org.uk/rbbp-reports.htm

Hello there,

Thanks for your posting. As usual, the situation with golden orioles is far from clear as they are so elusive. We definitely have an adult male and a female type bird. This could either be a 1st summer male or a female (it is very difficult to identify them by plumage alone). The birds didn't arrive until May 17 which was late and as yet, there has not been much calling or singing. Your best chance of a sighiting is in Trial Wood (the middle poplar plantation) though. One was calling in that wood at 12pm yesterday.

As far as we know, Lakenheath Fen is the only known nesting site for golden orioles in Britain. If there is anything else you would like to know, please do not hesitate to give the office a ring on 01842 863400 or e-mail us on lakenheath@rspb.org.uk;

Many thanks,

David