Volunteers needed to watch over rare birds in Lancashire (From Lancashire Telegraph)

Volunteers needed to watch over rare birds in Lancashire

10:23am Thursday 11th March 2010 in

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VOLUNTEERS in Lancashire are being called to help watch over the Ribble’s rarest wildlife.

The black-tailed godwit birds will soon be returning to the marshes on the Ribble Estuary from Africa and southern Europe.

Fewer than 60 pairs of the tall elegant birds currently breed in the whole of the UK with the godwits on the River Ribble the only ones nesting in the North West.

For more than 10 years, the RSPB has worked with Lancashire police and local landowners, providing a 24-hour guard on their nests to deter egg thieves.

With just one or two pairs breeding on the River Ribble marshes each year, godwit numbers have not been able to increase to a sustainable level.

Last year, there was a breeding attempt but it was unsuccessful.

Now, the wildlife organisation is calling on people to help provide a round-the-clock watch.

Carol Coupe, the RSPB’s godwit nest watch co-ordinator, said: “We were disappointed last’s year’s breeding attempt failed but we are hopeful the godwits will return this year and breed successfully.

“If this does happen we need to be ready to watch the nest around the clock, which is why we are asking for people to support us by giving a few hours of their time and volunteer for the nestwatch.

“With so few of these birds nesting in the whole of the UK, the Ribble Estuary birds need all the support we can give them.”

The long-legged bird has suffered a large breeding population decline across Europe, primarily due to habitat loss and persecution by egg collectors.

Ms Coupe said: “Much of the lowland wet grassland where godwits like to nest has disappeared from Britain and most breeding colonies are now on nature reserves where these habitats are carefully managed.

“Godwit breeding numbers are declining because of drainage of wetlands.”

For further information call 01524 581008.

The black-tailed godwit

l Smaller than a curlew, the black-tailed godwit is a large wading bird with a very long straight bill and long legs.

l In spring, the head, neck and breast are a striking chestnut-red colour and in flight, it shows a white wing-stripe and a black and white tail.

l It has suffered a large breeding population decline in the past and is now a rare breeder.

l It is a summer visitor to its breeding grounds, wintering in Africa. Birds from northern Europe spend the winter on UK coasts.

l It has a maximum lifespan of 15 years.

l It has a wingspan of 70cm to 82cm and can weigh between 290g to 350g.

l It is fully protected by UK law and anyone convicted of taking its eggs would face a fine of up to £5,000 for each incident or six months in prison.