Avocets: England’s Unique Wading Birds
Avocets are elegant wading birds with unique upturned curved beaks, which they use to build ground nests surrounded by water, as well as to feed. A conservation success story, these highly protected black-and-white birds are the emblem for the RSPB.
Keep at least 50 metres away from wading birds, as flying away wastes energy that could be used for feeding (they need more space at high tide). Keep dogs away, as disturbing nests could cause birds to abandon chicks. Read more on keeping dogs safe at the seaside.
Avocets didn’t always call England home. By the mid-19th century, they had vanished from the country, mainly due to hunting and loss of wetlands. But after the Second World War, when coastlines were flooded for defence, suitable habitats returned—and so did the avocets.
Their comeback is seen as a major conservation success. Today, Britain’s population is strongest in the east and south, thanks to ongoing efforts from conservation groups and changes in land management.
Restoring our wetlands is the best way to help wading birds, as it provides natural food and habitat. In recent years, many wetlands have been lost to farming and building, so birds lose their nesting and feeding grounds.
Other issues are water pollution, raw sewage and climate change which changes weather patterns). So support small organic farmers that protect wildlife corridors, and avoid companies that use pesticide, that kill the creatures that wetland birds feed on.
