Oystercatcher migration between breeding and wintering grounds involves welfare challenges from energy depletion, weather, and habitat finding at unfamiliar sites.
Migratory oystercatchers face welfare challenges during the twice-yearly journeys that link breeding and wintering habitats. Birds in poor condition at migration departure face greater risk of mortality during crossing. Young birds finding wintering sites for the first time risk establishing in inadequate habitat. Maintaining food resources at both breeding and wintering sites, and providing safe passage between them, supports individual bird welfare across the full annual cycle.