The first Ringed Plover nests are appearing on Norfolk beaches!

Nesting season has officially begun!

With all this sunny weather, spring has really exploded and beach nesting birds across Norfolk have been very busy indeed! In the last few weeks, our site teams have been seeing lots of display behaviour as birds have been busy attracting the perfect partner, finding the safest nest spots and defending their hard-won territories from rival males!

This week, excitement has ramped up as our teams have reported the very first nests of the season popping up on beaches at Titchwell and Snettisham! As birds start to lay their eggs on the upper shore, we are feeling incredibly privileged to have these birds choose our local beaches to raise their tiny families.

Our Plovers in Peril project and reserve teams are working hard to keep them safe, but we need your help!

The nests of these birds are incredibly unassuming, just a shallow scrape made directly in the sand and shingle. The eggs themselves are camouflaged against the sand, resembling pebbles, so they are at risk from being stepped on by mistake as more and more beach visitors explore the beaches as the weather warms.

A Ringed Plover nest with its camouflaged eggs. Image credit RSPB.

Once the eggs are laid, the adult birds will protect them from the elements by keeping them warm on cold days, dry on wet days and cool on hot days. At this critical time, these birds are very sensitive to disturbance as they are easily frightened off the nest by people and off lead dogs getting too close to nesting areas. If this happens often, the chick inside may not survive to hatching.  If you’re anything like us we are counting down the days until we see these cuties are running about on the beaches so let’s, give them a helping hand.

A Ringed Plover parent with their chicks. Image credit: Phill Gwilliam.

Nesting season runs from March until end of August, and you can help more chicks make it to hatching (in 25 day’s time) by doing a few simple things on your beach visit.

• Keep dogs on short leads where requested: Never let a dog chase birds or roam inside fenced off areas. These nesting birds have a hard time, facing many threats each day, you can help them by keeping dogs on leads and away from fences. Once, chicks hatch, they are flightless and will roam outside of fences to feed on the shoreline at low tide, so keep your dog on lead even on the lower shore.
• Give nesting birds space: Keep your distance from fenced areas. Getting too close can stress parent birds who are desperately trying to keep their eggs safe and warm. Use binoculars to view if you have them or ask to borrow ours.  It may not be obvious that birds are nesting but if there are fences up, there will be vulnerable birds inside!
• Plan ahead: To help you plan, you can check reliable websites such as The Barking Bugle before your visit to identify local nesting site locations and where off-lead zones or off-lead beaches have been identified.
• Follow guidance on signs: Check for signs as soon as you arrive and please follow any guidance given during your visit. If unsure, chat to a volunteer who are always happy to help and provide more information.  

Signage at Snettisham beach to help more beach users help beach nesting birds. Image credit RSPB.

Want to do more? Why not volunteer with us! As the project gears up for nesting season, the team needs extra support from those local to the site who may have a few hours to spare and who might be keen to help give beach nesting birds a voice at this important site. We have a number of beach shifts available on both weekdays or weekends and can be flexible around your commitments. So, if you’re inspired about joining the team can click on this link to find out more and how to apply.

Plovers in Peril volunteers gather to celebrate the start of nesting season. Image credit RSPB.

Join the conversation by reading our community blog or by following @RSPBTitchwell on Facebook or Twitter, Tagging #PloversinPeril.

Get in touch! Email ploversinperil@rspb.org.uk to find out more about the project.

Thank you for supporting these special birds. We look forward to seeing you out on the beach!

The Plovers in Peril team

#PloversinPeril #SnettishamBeach #RSPBSnettisham