Too Close For Comfort

As birders, we often look for species such as the White-fronted Plover, African Black Oystercatcher and Kelp Gull when we visit the magnificent beaches along our coastline.

- Mark Brown

If we enjoy taking photographs during a beach holiday, the oystercatcher is often high on our hit-list. The problem is that we share the beaches with other people and with their dogs, which are often beloved family members. Many of us have experienced or encountered the conflict when these three elements – birds, people and dogs – come into too close contact. We have seen stressed birds, rampant dogs and seemingly oblivious or uncaring owners. Some people may even think such scenarios are not an issue and wonder what the fuss is about.

As discussed in this column in the March/April 2018 issue, the effect of disturbance by dogs on ground-nesting birds on beaches can be great. It can lead to high nest failure due to the eggs and chicks overheating or to increased predation as a result of the adults deserting their nests and leaving their eggs exposed and unattended more frequently than if they were not disturbed.