IT'S what the region has been waiting to see - the first appearance of the birds that have made history.

Ever since the bee-eaters arrived at Bishop Middleham Quarry nature reserve, in south Durham, at the start of June, they have attracted thousands of visitors to the site.

But even though it was announced last month that they had become the first bee-eaters to breed in this country for almost 50 years, no one had seen the chicks, because they were born in a tunnel bored out of a cliffside by their parents.

That was until yesterday, when the first of the youngsters made their debut, showing off the same plumage which make the birds one of the most colourful in Europe.

The exact number of chicks is not known, as some may still be deep in the burrow, but at least two have been seen.

Bee-eaters, occasional visitors to the region, usually nest in warmer southern European climes, but this pair became lost and defied all the odds by bringing up young at the disused quarry, which is managed by Durham Wildlife Trust.

A joint operation between the RSPB and the trust ensured the birds did not fall prey to illegal egg collectors.

The chicks have still not left the nest. Once they do, in a few days' time, the birds will start foraging further from the quarry in the search for food and the youngsters will become visible to more people.

At some point they will leave the region altogether, because bee-eaters winter in tropical Africa, before heading back to Europe. No one knows if they will return to Bishop Middleham.

David Hirst, of the RSPB's northern region, said: "It was a very special moment when the first chick popped into view at the mouth of the burrow, and the wardens watching from the hide could hardly contain their excitement at witnessing such an historic event."

* A viewpoint has been set up on farmland near the village of Bishop Middleham, north-west of Sedgefield. Access is from the A1 and A177 and follow the signs to the bee-eaters. A local farmer has provided the viewing area and there is a small charge for car parking.