 Re: Black tailed godwits
It seems to be a while since this post has been to replied to and I have only just found it.
The black-tailed godwits we see here in huge numbers in winter are of the Icelandic race and there numbers are doing well.
In the spring they return to Iceland to breed around June. But, you will still see groups of younger non-breeding godwits.
The godwits that do nest here are of the European race and numbers are in decline across all of Europe. With only around 50 pairs attempting to nest in the UK each year, mainly around East Anglia, and mortality rates being quite low for chicks due to predation the species is struggling to survive at all in this country.
The eggs of the two pairs on the Ribble have been targeted by egg thieves, which is why there is now a protection scheme running each |