Estuaries are critical winter refuges for migratory wading birds. Managing human disturbance at these sites during winter is essential for individual bird welfare and population viability.
Estuary wading bird welfare in winter represents a genuine conflict between recreational access and wildlife welfare. Dog walkers on tidal flats can flush hundreds or thousands of birds repeatedly during a single walk, with each flush costing energy the birds cannot easily replace. During cold snaps when tidal feeding windows are short and energy demands are highest, repeated disturbance can tip individual birds into negative energy balance and death. Seasonal restrictions on dog access to key tidal areas are warranted welfare interventions at the most important sites.