Extinct bird picture highlights threatened species

Jan Atkinson, people engagement officer at the RSPB reserves Pagham Harbour and Medmerry, has been working throughout the season to collect colourings.

She has talked to children in the area about struggling seabirds and the challenges which face them, such as human disturbance, predation and climatic conditions.

Jan explained: “I have encouraged an understanding of camouflaged eggs and chicks of ground nesting birds, e.g. little tern and ringed plover, as well as learning about the Countryside Code guidance, which all go towards helping these vulnerable birds to survive.”

The project involved libraries, schools, community groups and visitors to the reserves, and it was part of the Summer Reading Challenge with Chicheseter children’s librarian Kerry Brookes.

Jan added: “These colourings have been displayed on the shape of the argentavis magnificens. This was one of the largest birds in the world and is now extinct, which of course we do not wish to happen to any of our beautiful wildlife here at Pagham Harbour.

“It has been a wonderful partnership project and the bird is now displayed in Chichester Library until the end of October.”

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