Black tailed godwits

[canonman]

Hi All
Just read an article stating that the Black Tailed Godwit is now on the red list. Due to a depletion of numbers in Europe
Must say I was surprised to see this
The two reserves I visited this year Minsmere at the end of March and Gibraltar Point end of April there were plenty of them
Most paired up and happily going about their business making nests.
Anybody noticed a reduced number in their area.
Mick

[Mark43]

Haven't seen many of these and those were in Norfolk bar one at my local reserve.

According to the RSPB website only about 30-50 pairs nest in Britain with the rest either over wintering or passage birds...........have to say i would have thought there were more than that.

[paulthomas]

There's hundreds (literally) of them at Marshside (Southport). I can't really believe that there's so few breeding here

[scholesy]

I saw 40+ black-tailed godwit's at Fairburn Ings RSPB reserve, just outside Leeds on two visits.
They were present for over 3-4 weeks in April. I wasn't aware their numbers had depleted that much. They are a beautiful bird in summer plummage.

[Oy]

There's a flock of 70 or knocking around the Ribble Estuary at the moment. There's a few breeding pairs their too under RSPB surveillance!

[canonman]

Hi
Looks like were doing ok in Britain, Don't know what the problem is in Europe, Know the bird is mainly an Icelandic bird.
try and find out a bit more
Mick

[Conina]

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

[JeffH]

They've nested here on the Ouse Washes for a number of years but last year their nests were washed out by the high water levels. Apparently it's hoped that the RSPB's Nene Washes reserve may be more suited to them and will become their favoured site.

Jeff

[rlchew]

I see groups of say 5 to 20 Black-tailed Godwit fairly regularly at my local patch (Wat Tyler Country Park in Pitsea, Essex).

They are one of the most attractive wading birds that visit the site, particularly in their brick red summer plumage.

Richard

[Conina]

I agree they are an exquisite bird and their wikka wikka call is quite haunting. We should be doing all we can for them.