Spotting and Avoiding Nesting Birds
Why is this important?
Nesting birds and their nests are protected by law. Disturbing them can lead to delays in our work and, more importantly, harm wildlife. Being aware and taking precautions helps us comply with regulations and protect biodiversity.
Key Times to Be Extra Vigilant:
- Early Nesting Season: Look for birds actively carrying nesting material (twigs, leaves, feathers). This is a clear sign a nest is being built nearby, even if you can’t see it yet. Avoid the area immediately.
- Peak Season (Quiet Period): Bird activity around nests may decrease as they incubate eggs. Visual observation alone becomes less reliable.
- Direct Searches/Walkovers: Be observant during walkovers. If a bird suddenly flies off or alarm calls, a nest is likely close.
- Trust Your Gut: If a bird seems agitated by your presence, there’s probably a reason. Proceed with caution or leave the area.
- Post-Hatching: Activity increases again as adults feed chicks. You’ll likely see more birds flying to and from the nest. Be mindful and maintain a safe distance.
Spotting the Signs:
- Active Nest Building: Birds carrying materials.
- Alarm Calls: Birds making repeated, sharp calls indicating distress.
- Agitated Behaviour: Birds flying back and forth anxiously, or showing signs of wanting to return to a specific spot.
- Distraction Displays: Some birds (like mallards) may feign injury to draw you away from their nest.
- Subtle Cues: Coot and moorhen might quietly slip away from a nest but show clear intent to return.
- Direct Observation: Visually identifying a nest.
Team discussion questions:
- Think about your local rivers, waterways etc. Which locations can you identify where human interference may have impacted on the natural process (such as a weir, a diversion etc.)?
- Discuss what you think would be the main advantages and challenges in considerations of restoring the river/waterway to its original state?
Resources & further information:
The River Restoration Centre 2030
EU RiverWiki
European Centre for River Restoration
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