Wildlife
experts are appealing to the public to take care around the estuaries of the
Westcountry this autumn after a number of incidents in which migratory wildfowl
were disturbed.
The
problem is especially acute on the Exe estuary, where thousands of geese, ducks
and waders – both resident and those just passing through – can be seen in the
late autumn and winter.
But
other estuaries where internationally important numbers of waterfowl gather to
feed and rest are also susceptible to human disturbance and the advice from the RSPB is to take care and keep dogs on leads in
areas where birds are gathered.
Tony
Whitehead, speaking for the RSPB in the Westcountry said: “Every year thousands
of birds flock to the Exe from the far north. Right now, just off Exmouth the
estuary’s large flock of Brent geese, is ‘refuelling’ on the rich eel grass
beds having recently flown in from Siberia.
“They
are no doubt tired and hungry after their 3,000-mile journey from the Taymyr
peninsula and the last thing they need – to be honest – is to be accidently
disturbed by people and dogs and to then waste energy flying around!”
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