I decided to join a volunteer programme to help save the Kentish Plover, a small wader bird whose numbers are decreasing. At the moment there are around 4500 breeding pairs left in Spain. This cute little bird breeds on the shores and its nests are often victim of disturbance by dogs running freely on beaches. We are monitoring the number of nests and eggs on the shores near Rota, in the province of Cadiz, as well as trying to make people on and off the beach aware of the situation and tell them about the importance of keeping their dogs on a leash on the beach, something which is implied by law by the way.
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It is of utmost importance to inform people on the beach.
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Sometimes one high tide can be disastrous for a breeding spot and literally wash away a nest and its eggs. Other times it is feral cats, dogs or people that cause the loss of a brood. Nesting spots on the beach are put behind fences and clearly indicated as no-pass zones, but the amount of dogs is a massive problem. For now, we really have to count on people's goodwill.
It is difficult to leave the beach after our routine tour and leave those little vulnerable creatures to their own devices.
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| Fortunately the Kentish Plover can rely on good camouflage |
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| Also the eggs are hard to spot |
Kentish Plovers usually lay three eggs and incubate them for 24 to 27 days. Their breeding period coincides with the times when Spanish beaches are most visited by people.
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| A pair of Kentish Plovers, showing breeding activity |
Volunteer programmes in other provinces have helped raise numbers, so let us hope we can achieve the same.
Henry.
