In fact, the avocet has been assigned Amber Status in the UK, therefore any nesting site is extremely important for their conservation and to maintain or increase population size. One such nesting site which is particularly important in the area local to me is on the lagoon at Two Tree Island, Leigh-on-Sea. Due to past incidences of egg thieves on this site, the Essex Wildlife Trust has set up an event called the Avocet Egg Watch which invites volunteers to visit the site during allocated periods to ensure the lagoon is being watched for as long as possible 24/7 during the avocet breeding months.
Yesterday afternoon, it was my turn to conduct a watch at the lagoon and, although I did not see any avocets on this occasion, there were plenty of nesting birds to keep an eye on including black headed gulls and oyster catchers as well as other birds which were not necessarily nesting such as bar tailed godwits and Canada geese.
Last year, avocets were seen on the site but did not nest here so hopefully we may see some a little later in the breeding season. I also have additional watches to carry out in the following weeks so I'll keep the blog updated on any developments as they occur.
Lagoon on Two tree Island which is the nesting site of many birds
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| Black headed gull on nest |
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| Oyster catchers |
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| Canada goose poking its head above the vegetation |
UPDATE 29.04.2014 - I have been informed that other volunteers have seen some avocets on the site but it is unclear as of yet whether they will breed of are just visiting to feed. More updates will follow after subsequent visits.
UPDATE 30.04.2014 - Unfortunately, due to the lack of avocets on the island (only some seem to be passing through) the egg watch has been cancelled for this year. However the dedication shown by volunteers has shown that people do care about wildlife crimes are willing to give up their time to protect our bird species which is very encouraging.
