Oyster Catchers

A pair of oyster catchers are nesting in the stones in my driveway right outside my garage. They really couldn't have chosen a worse place!! I'm just wondering if there's anything I can do to protect them from damage or predators without causing them any distress or should I just leave them to their fate?
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  • Susan,  Depending on whether they are likely to get run over by you using the garage my feeling is leave them.  They do breed on gravelled roundabouts and similar things up north so that won't affect them.  On roundabouts they would have to put up with predators but perhaps not cats as they would in a domestic environment.

    If you feel they are in danger then Alan's idea is probably a good one but you would really need an expert to work out how to move them.

  • The driveway is quite open so it's easy for us to avoid them because we know they're there but I am concerned about other vehicles or even people walking there not being able to see them. They are tricky to see. We could put some temporary fencing around them but don't want to scare them away. We are in Aberdeenshire and are quite rural so foxes might be a possibility too.

  • Unknown said:
    i don't know what Bob thinks he's more experienced than me.

    Alan,  I wish I was.

    Susan,  I agree with a temporary fence.  Just enough to make it obvious to people and wide enough not to scare the birds,  Even a few canes and string might work.   Remember any young when hatched would need to walk to a safe area.

  • That's brilliant, thanks for your advice. We'll give that a go and hope for the best.

  • As said,just a few canes and a bit of rope just so people avoid the spot should do the trick.On occasion I have stood just 4 old traffic cones down to the same affect.

    Pete

    Birding is for everyone no matter how good or bad we are at it,enjoy it while you can

  • I photographed a similar situation a few years ago with a pair that nested in the car park of a nursery, see images here: www.insearchofnature.blogspot.co.uk/.../car-park-nesters.html

    All they did was put a sign up telling those dropping off or picking up their kids to watch out for them!

    All the chicks hatched and they left the grounds safely! :)

  • We have made a wide circle around them with blocks and it doesn't seem to be upsetting them so fingers crossed.

  • Hi, I just wanted to update those who advised me on how to protect our oyster catchers. 2 of the 3 eggs hatched and promptly disappeared! The parents have been very vocal in warning us to stay away so I felt sure the chicks were ok. And earlier this evening I finally managed to catch a glimpse of the 2 little ones out walking around. Thanks again for the advice.

  • Hi-  maybe next year have a large mesh cage ready, similar to those on Tern nest islands ?

    S

    For advice about Birding, Identification,field guides,  binoculars, scopes, tripods,  etc - put 'Birding Tips'   into the search box

  • Hi did you receive any info? i currently have the same problem at work 

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