Shorebird Roost Protection | Animal Welfare Hub

How protection of shorebird roost sites reduces welfare harms from disturbance and provides critical refugia for migratory species.

Key Facts

Shorebirds congregate in large numbers at key roost sites during high tides and migration stopovers
Disturbance at roost sites forces birds to fly repeatedly, depleting energy reserves critical for migration
High tide roost disturbance is particularly damaging as birds have no feeding alternative during this period
Wader roost sites include beaches, agricultural fields, and coastal grasslands
Protected roost sites with warden programs have demonstrated significant welfare and population benefits

Welfare Considerations

Shorebird roost protection addresses welfare harms from energy depletion caused by repeated disturbance. Birds flushed from roost sites during high tide or migration stopover have nowhere to feed and must expend energy flying that they cannot immediately replenish. For long-distance migrants crossing oceans, energy reserves at stopover sites are critical welfare resources. Protecting key roost sites from recreational disturbance, dog walking, and off-road vehicles allows birds to rest, conserve energy, and maintain the body condition required for successful migration completion.

What You Can Do

Respect shorebird roost site exclusion zones and keep dogs on leads at key roost locations
Volunteer with shorebird warden programs at important roost and nesting sites
Support coastal conservation organizations that protect shorebird roost habitat
Report deliberate disturbance of shorebird roosts to wildlife enforcement authorities