Bustards are seen in Dorset.Byline: By RICHARD SMITH GREAT bustards, the world's heaviest flying bird, have been sighted in Dorset for the first time in more than 170 years. Four males have been spotted near Dorchester and a female was photographed flying near the Portland Observatory The Portland Observatory was built in 1807 in Portland, Maine. It is the last remaining maritime signal tower in the United States. Geography Portland has a deep harbor sheltered by numerous islands. . The birds, which can weigh more than three stone, became extinct in the UK in 1832. Chicks were re-introduced on to Salisbury Plain Salisbury Plain, undulating, mostly barren chalk plateau, c.300 sq mi (780 sq km), Wiltshire, S England. It is noted chiefly as the site of ancient monuments, of which Stonehenge is the most famous. The region is also an army training ground. in 2004. Rob Brunt, of Dorset Wildlife Trust The Dorset Wildlife Trust (DWT) is a wildlife trust covering the county of Dorset, England. The Dorset Wildlife Trust was founded in 1961 to protect the wildlife and natural habitats of the county. The trust is based at Brooklands Farm, just north of Dorchester. , said: "We need to monitor the birds' movements to build a picture of where they may be, however temporary." As well as the Dorset sightings, great bustards from the Salisbury Plain group have been spotted in France. The bird is under threat throughout the world. It was hunted into extinction in Britain. An adult male weighs twice as much as a fully-grown swan and is one of the world's heaviest flying birds. But the females rarely weigh more than 11lbs. The male's wingspan reaches nearly 7ft. CAPTION(S): RARE: Bustard |
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