eration.
Being the only pair, they are hugely vulnerable and the slightest disturbance could spell disaster. And we still felt it right to maintain secrecy to give the newly fledged young the very best start.
But now, with the family days away from their migration south, we decided to lift the lid on this remarkable operation, not least to share the good news and to pay thanks to all those who have willingly given up many hundreds of hours to watch over the shrikes.
And next year? Well, we hope the birds fare well in their African wintering grounds and return to breed again in 2011.
And we hope their young return to breed as well. Dartmoor is an ideal bridgehead for them to re-colonise.
Conservation organisations and landowners have worked hard over the years to make the moor a welcoming place for wildlife, as this success bears witness.
Who knows, if all goes well, give it 10 years and you might have butcher birds near you.
Tony Whitehead is the RSPB press officer for the South West.