Spring is in the Air

Spring is in the air, the days are getting warmer (sort of), the evenings are getting lighter and the natural world is thinking about breeding. Wading birds are no exception, many species will already be returning to the breeding areas to set up territories or find a mate.

This time of year is perfect for looking for early signs of breeding waders. Firstly the grass and vegetation is still short so birds are generally more visible, secondly many species are undertaking courtship displays. This might be the Pee-wit and swooping flight of a Lapwing, the bubbling call of a Curlew or the drumming of a Snipe, they are all at it. Finding where these now rare species might be breeding early in the year means that any efforts looking for breeding pairs later in the year can be focused on certain areas. Also fining breeding birds early means that there is more time for landowners to be contacted and measures out in place to protect the nests form threats such as predation and farm machinery.

Of course these things can only happen if records are shared. It is vitally important that any breeding behavior of birds observed is recorded and the data passed on the local environmental records centre (WSBRC) who can use this data to help monitor breeding birds within the county and help to protect them and also local experts who can take steps to engage and work with landowners to protect breeding waders on their land.