Black-tailed Godwit Protection. RSPB Needs Volunteers.
13/03/2008 14:39:29How to Volunteer
- Anybody who would like more information about volunteering should contact Carol Coupe on 01995 642251 or e-mail carol.coupe@rspb.org.uk.
Every year one or two pairs of the endangered black-tailed godwit nest on marshland on the Ribble estuary, near Preston, Lancashire. Only around 60 pairs of the long-legged wading birds breed in the UK, though the Ribble birds are the only ones in North West England. Unfortunately, their rarity makes them a target for egg thieves, and if the birds breed this year, the RSPB and Fylde Bird Club will mount a 24-hr guard on the nest.
The two organisations have launched an appeal for people to become ‘godwit guardians,’ by volunteering to help with the nest watch near Freckleton.
RSPB project officer Carol Coupe said: ‘We are asking for the support of people to get involved by giving just a few hours of their time to help watch over the nest site. Volunteers do not need to be knowledgeable about birds as training will be given and there is a huge amount of satisfaction in helping to safeguard the nests of these rare and beautiful birds.’
Black-tailed godwits are fully protected by UK law and anyone convicted of taking their eggs would face a fine of up to £5,000 for each incident or six months in prison.
The black-tailed godwit nestwatch project is organised by the RSPB and supported by Fylde Bird Club, Lancashire Police, and local landowners. Cory Environmental Trust in Britain through the Landfill Communities Fund has generously funded the nestwatch for the next two years.
RSPB project officer Carol Coupe said: ‘We are asking for the support of people to get involved by giving just a few hours of their time to help watch over the nest site. Volunteers do not need to be knowledgeable about birds as training will be given and there is a huge amount of satisfaction in helping to safeguard the nests of these rare and beautiful birds.’
Black-tailed godwits are fully protected by UK law and anyone convicted of taking their eggs would face a fine of up to £5,000 for each incident or six months in prison.
The black-tailed godwit nestwatch project is organised by the RSPB and supported by Fylde Bird Club, Lancashire Police, and local landowners. Cory Environmental Trust in Britain through the Landfill Communities Fund has generously funded the nestwatch for the next two years.
Black-tailed Godwits
Smaller than a curlew, the black-tailed godwit is a large wading bird with a very long straight bill and long legs. In spring, the head, neck and breast are a striking chestnut-red colour. In flight, it shows a white wing-stripe and a black and white tail. It has suffered a large breeding population decline in the past and is now a rare breeder. It is a summer visitor to its breeding grounds, wintering in Africa. Birds from northern Europe spend the winter on UK coasts. Much of the lowland wet grassland where godwits like to nest has disappeared from Britain and most breeding colonies are now on nature reserves where these habitats are carefully managed. Throughout Europe, godwit breeding numbers are declining because of drainage of wetlands.
Smaller than a curlew, the black-tailed godwit is a large wading bird with a very long straight bill and long legs. In spring, the head, neck and breast are a striking chestnut-red colour. In flight, it shows a white wing-stripe and a black and white tail. It has suffered a large breeding population decline in the past and is now a rare breeder. It is a summer visitor to its breeding grounds, wintering in Africa. Birds from northern Europe spend the winter on UK coasts. Much of the lowland wet grassland where godwits like to nest has disappeared from Britain and most breeding colonies are now on nature reserves where these habitats are carefully managed. Throughout Europe, godwit breeding numbers are declining because of drainage of wetlands.
