THE bee-eaters that have successfully nested at Bishop Middleham quarry over the summer have started their long migration to warmer climes.
The family of two adults and two youngsters were last seen flying over the reserve on Wednesday morning, before joining a flock of swallows that then flew off southwards.
Wardens who have watched over the birds for the last three months believe it could be the last time the birds are sighted in the area and it is thought unlikely they will return.
Some 15,000 people are estimated to have visited the quarry to catch a glimpse of the birds, the first family of bee-eaters to be seen in the UK for 47 years.
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