Shorebird Roost Protection and Welfare

Shorebirds depend on high-tide roost sites for rest and thermoregulation, and protection of these critical habitats from disturbance is essential for their welfare and conservation.

Key Facts

Shorebirds such as knot, dunlin, and sanderling use high-tide roosts where they cannot feed due to inundation
Repeated flushing from roost sites causes energetic stress - birds must spend energy in flight instead of resting
Dogs off leads and drone flights are among the most common disturbance sources at shorebird roosts
Key roost sites at estuaries including The Wash, Morecambe Bay, and the Dee Estuary hold internationally important populations
Climate change is affecting roost site availability through sea level rise and altered intertidal timing

Welfare Considerations

Roost site disturbance causes repeated acute stress events for shorebirds that are already energetically challenged by long migrations and cold winter conditions. A single dog running through a roost can flush thousands of birds, burning critical energy reserves. Cumulative disturbance across multiple tides can impair body condition and survival. Protecting shorebird roosts is both a welfare intervention for individual birds and a conservation action for populations.

What You Can Do

Keep dogs on leads near shorebird roost sites, particularly at high tide
Learn to identify high-tide roost sites in your area and maintain respectful distances
Report persistent disturbance sources at important shorebird roost sites to wildlife authorities
Advocate for access management at internationally important roost sites
Support conservation organizations working to protect and restore intertidal habitats