A replacement sign has been installed at Guernsey’s Richmond, asking beach users to follow the voluntary winter dog ban from 1st October in order to help save our declining shorebird species, which are now at the brink of local extinction after dramatic population declines in recent decades.
Data from guernseybirds.org.gg reveals there has been a 90% decline in the annual observed turnstone and dunlin numbers on Guernsey’s beaches in the last 40 years. Other shorebirds have seen similar declines.
Why dogs?
Birds are particularly susceptible to disturbance, which is likely to be a key factor in the decline of these shorebirds. Studies have shown that dog walkers have a higher rate of disturbance than walkers without dogs. Disturbance results in reduced feeding time and increased energy use, leading to lower winter survival rates.
Why should we help our shorebirds?
Species are to ecosystems what rivets are to planes. Losing a few make little difference, but if enough are removed the plane will crash. Once species are lost from the island it is very difficult to get them back.
Shorebirds can maintain the diversity of other organisms, control pests, and be indicators of environmental health and potential disease outbreaks. They also benefit us as a community through recreational activities such as photography and bird watching.
Shorebirds are particularly vulnerable species as they are site-faithful and migrate across borders to other places in the world where pressures such as habitat loss and changing climates are also felt. Guernsey must do its part to protect our visiting international species as the loss of these shorebirds would not just be felt locally.
How can we help protect shorebirds?
- Avoid disturbing them during the winter, particularly when they are feeding
- Do not walk dogs on important bird sites such as Richmond Beach – stay vigilant for signage alerting you to these sites
- Dogs on leads cause less disturbance to birds
- Birds can be viewed better through binoculars or a good camera lens – you don’t have to get up close to get a good look
- Join bird walks, such as with the RSPB or La Société Guernesiaise, and use the observatories around the island to learn more about our wildlife
Jamie Hooper, La Société Guernesiaise said: “La Société’s Bird Section has been undertaking monthly ‘Wader Count’ surveys for over 40 years and the long term declines recorded in many local species is alarming. Although our waders in particular are facing a number of challenging environmental issues, the easiest way we can all help is to avoid needlessly disturbing birds as they feed and rest on our beaches. We would encourage the public to spare a thought for our vulnerable wildlife and to keep a reasonable distance.”
