"Let's have a big round of applause for the Stone-curlew. Not only did it exceed its breeding target this year, but it was the only species of farmland bird to do so (come on, you farmland birds, lay another egg for nice Mr Meacher). According to the latest figures, the Stone-curlews are 50 pairs up on what was expected of them this year, which I think we're all agreed is a tremendous effort, especially with all the wind and rain we've been having."