Respect
Shorebirds
Wales’ extensive mudflats, saltmarshes and coastal grazing marshes support large numbers of wildfowl and wading birds over winter and offer key refuelling stops for important spring and autumn passage birds. Watching these birds from afar is fascinating but getting too close can disturb them. It may lead to birds stopping using an area to feed or roost, use up vital energy stores by putting them to flight and cause delays to arrival at breeding grounds. If they cannot feed enough to complete their migration, they may not survive the winter.
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How to look after Shorebirds
Watch out for signs of disturbance and try not to get too close. When birds take flight it can use energy reserve vital for their survival.
Keep a good distance from overwintering birds visiting our estuaries between October and March.
Watch the tide – when the tide comes in, birds’ feeding grounds are reduced and they may be roosting further up the foreshore.
Fun Facts
