A BIRD of prey sanctuary in Mid Wales has had success in attracting another protected species of bird.

Falconry Experience Wales, based at Forge, near Machynlleth, has attracted three pairs of yellowhammers with their bird feeding regime.

Once a common sight in the countryside, the yellowhammer is now so rare that it warrants red classification in the UK under the Birds of Conservation Concern.

Luce Green, co-owner of Falconry Experience Wales, said: “We were thrilled to have three pairs raise young here this year, the yellowhammer is now a rare farmland bird and our visitors have loved seeing them.

"We have worked hard to attract them but had only ever seen three here over the previous 18 years.

“One couple took their son to the RSPB Ynys-hir Reserve to look for yellowhammers but did not see any, as he was desperate to see his first one.

“They could not believe that we had them here and viewed them during their experience.

“We attracted the yellowhammers through feeding a seed mixture that they particularly like and also having enhanced hedge margins with wild flowers and grasses which provide good areas for insects as chick food.

"We have also found that the birch trees we have planted made excellent song posts.”