The first-ever full breeding survey of Redshank in areas of the east coast wetlands has revealed how vital this region is for the species and other wetland birds.
The study, led by the RSPB and funded by Natural England and the Life on the Edge project, recorded 419 breeding pairs of Redshank on the Humber Estuary and 597 breeding pairs in north Norfolk, representing 5% of the UK’s entire breeding population.
These areas also support breeding Avocets, Oystercatchers and Ringed Plovers. Some 53% of breeding Redshank were lost from saltmarshes between 1985 and 2011, but these crucial habitats are clearly a haven for the species – one reason why the east coast wetlands were added to the UK’s Tentative List of World Heritage sites last year.
Redshank calling and wandering through the grass. Video: @RSPBvideo
