Whimbrels are long-distance migratory waders that use UK coastal sites as stopovers between West Africa and Arctic breeding grounds, with welfare shaped by disturbance and habitat quality.
Whimbrel welfare is concentrated around the energetics of migration — birds that arrive at stopovers in poor condition or are repeatedly disturbed during refuelling cannot accumulate the fat reserves needed for Arctic breeding success. Disturbance by recreational walkers and dogs on key stopover estuaries causes repeated flight responses that deplete fat stores at a critical juncture. Breeding whimbrels on Shetland face predator pressure and agricultural disturbance during the short Arctic summer breeding season.