Plovers (fast fliers, named after the rain!)
These birds often stand on one leg, and are small fast shorebirds that often pretend they have broken wings, to stop predators attacking ground nests. They can fly up to 80mph during migration (from as far away as Canada or Greenland).
Joined by wintering birds from Europe, our native plover forages for food the same; standing still, running forward, then standing still again. A bit like seagulls, it ‘taps the ground’ to trick creatures into thinking it’s raining, to bring them to the surface. That’s likely why they are named after the Latin word for ‘rain’.
As an island nation, England is home to many coastal birds, who adore our natural wetlands. Loss of habitat to farming and urban building has put many at risk.
How to protect England’s coastal birds
- It’s also important to keep yourself and dogs away from coastal birds (flying away uses up energy they need to feed), especially at nesting season (when many birds hide chicks in the sand dunes). Read more on keeping dogs safe at the seaside.
- Always keep to designated footpaths and take litter home (report any injured birds to your local wildlife rescue).
- Sometimes pirri-pirri burrs stick to your clothing (or a dog’s fur). If seen, remove them and bin securely, to avoid them choking coastal chicks (same on country walks).
- If you sail a boat, keep at least 100m away from nesting or resting birds (particularly on shingle islands and spits) and turn off your engine if nearby. Likewise, take any litter with you.
