Not all birds build their nests in hedges and trees. Some nest on beaches, consisting of the little tern, ringed plover, and oystercatcher.
These types have actually all seen a decrease in their population numbers, and they have actually been dealing with increasing dangers in recent years. One significant issue is that beaches are being utilized more regularly as Essex’s population increases. Since these types utilize the beaches to nest, and their eggs can be challenging to find, it makes the eggs more susceptible to being unintentionally stepped on or interrupted by dogs off leads. The increased human disruption is a major concern given that it might cause birds deserting their nests, leaving the eggs and chicks susceptible to predators and the aspects.
These beach-nesting types are likewise threatened by increasing water level and seaside floods induced by environment modification, which can remove eggs and flood nests.
In partnership with the RSPB, Bird Aware Essex, and the Essex Marine Police Unit, Essex Wildlife Trust’s campaign ‘Share our Shores’ advises the general public to follow basic standards whilst they’re delighting in the beach this summertime to make sure threatened beach-nesting birds can lay their eggs and raise their chicks securely on the Essex shoreline.
As we move into the warmer months, the nesting season for these types is well in progress, with nest and chick sightings already made.
The public can help secure little terns and other beach-nesting birds by following these actions:
1. Know where they are – Colne Point, Old Hall Marshes and Tollesbury Wick beach are among the primary websites along the Blackwater and Colne Estuaries for breeding birds.
2. Respect zoned-off locations – If you see signs and rope, this is a “no go” zone from April-August as these websites are safeguarded for wildlife.
3. Avoid disruption by boat – Only land boats on designated moorings and landing locations, keep water areas far from coastline, reduce sound near breeding websites.
4. Back away – if you see a breeding types, pull back. Short, sharp alarm calls will inform you are too near young.
5. Spread the word – Raise awareness of beach-nesting birds and report bad behaviour to regional wildlife criminal activity officers by calling the cops on 101.
Alex Smith, Marine & Coastal Engagement Officer for Essex Wildlife Trust, says:
“The Share our Shores project is more important than ever as we are coming into summer when the coastal birds will be busy nesting. It’s been fantastic to see nesting ringed plovers, oystercatchers and little terns across a variety of coastal sites that we have signposted and roped off to help protect them from disturbance. We ask anyone visiting coastal areas to be respectful of nesting birds and all wildlife to help ensure a successful nesting season for these amazing animals.”
For more info, and to download resources for Share our Shores, go to Essex Wildlife Trust’s website:
