Rare birds which created a buzz across the region last year have made an unprecedented return - using the same nesting spot twice for the first time ever in the UK.
Three of the colourful bee-eaters birds, including a nesting pair, have been spotted again in a sand quarry in Trimingham - and it is the first time the summer visitors have returned to the same breeding site in the UK in consecutive years.
At least one nesting pair has already been confirmed and it’s anticipated additional birds may join them.
About the size of a starling, the exotic bird can be identified by their red backs, blue bellies and yellow throats. As well as bees, they feed on dragonflies and other flying insects.
Eight Bee-eaters were a sensation when they arrived in Norfolk last year, but there is concern about why the exotic birds are now nesting here instead of in their favoured Mediterranean habitats.
Formerly very rare breeders in the UK, this year marks the seventh breeding attempt in England in the past 20 years. This suggests they are attempting to establish a regular breeding colony in the UK, which may be an impact of climate change.
Mark Thomas, from the RSPB, said: “Bee-eaters are like no other bird you’re likely to see in the UK. Not only are they indescribably beautiful, but they put on a great show as they leap from a favourite perch to catch flying insects mid-air.
“Bee-eaters have generally turned up in the UK on a very ad-hoc basis, so far never re-using the same nest site twice.
"We can’t be certain if these are the same birds that raised a successful brood here last year, but it is a real possibility. If that’s the case, this could be the start of Bee-eaters properly colonising the UK and a sign that they may become a regular feature of the great British summer.”
The birds are expected to remain in the area until the end of summer, after which they will fly to southern Africa for the winter.
They are being closely monitored to allow them to breed undisturbed.
A car park and viewing area can be found in a large grass field off Gimingham Road, Trimingham. Entry costs £5 per person (cash only) to cover site monitoring and protection.
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