This morning I spent a few hours on the beaches between Rota and Chipiona in search of Kentish Plovers and their nests, together with the volunteers of the Kentish Plover programme of Rota. We located a few new clutches.
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| A clutch of two Kentish Plover eggs |
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| Female Kentish Plover |
Unfortunately, this weekend it is pilgrimage Sunday in the town of Rota. It is expected that a lot of people will access the restricted area where the Plovers breed and that the birds will be harassed and the clutches trampled. Ecologists in Action have asked the council to take protection measures in the dunes and on the beach, but surveillance by the local police is non-existent.
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| Another female Kentish Plover |
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| Another clutch with three eggs |
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| Another clutch with two eggs, only protected by their camouflage |
We have detected more than 10 places where the fences that were installed to protect the dunes have been cut, while there are enough wooden access points that people can use. Some selfish imbeciles find it necessary to bring shears and create extra entrances for their own convenience.
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| Male Kentish Plover |
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| Female Kentish Plover returning to her nest |
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A beach bar being set up right next to a protected area
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We keep fingers crossed that at least some eggs hatch this spring.
Henry.
