Historic Moment as Red-Billed Bird Takes to the Skies for First Time in 200 Years–A Win for Chough Species in England

A wild-born red-billed chough (CHUF) has taken to the skies in South East England for the first time in over 200 years.

The young chough took flight from a wild nest in Dover, marking the first time in more than two centuries that the bird has lived independently in the wild in Kent.

Liz Corry, the Chough Release Supervisor at Wildwood Trust, says the fledging is a powerful indicator that the species is starting to re-establish itself naturally in the region.

“This is a moment we’ve all been hoping for. To see a wild chick not only hatch but fledge and take to the skies is a major step forward.

“It confirms that the birds are finding suitable nesting habitat, and pairing up to raise young—exactly what we’ve been working towards.”

Once a familiar sight in Kent, the red-billed chough va