PSNI: plea to respect nesting birds

Police made an urgent plea today (Friday) to be aware of disturbing breeding or nesting birds across Northern Ireland - as the Easter weekend gets under way.

And they are warning that wildlife crime will be "appropriately dealt with."

It comes in the wake of a sharp decline in breeding waders over recent years, with the fall in the number of curlews, lapwings, redshanks and snipes considered a conservation concern.

These birds nest in a variety of habitats including wet grassland, cultivated land, wet upland heath, bogs, fens and clearings within reed beds and coastal saltmarsh.

The PSNI highlighted the legal protection around these birds' nests, in particular when the nests are in use or being built.

PSNI lead for rural and wildlife crime Superintendent Johnston McDowell reminded people to respect bird populations while out over the Easter weekend.

"In recent years we have seen some disturbances in County Fermanagh and particularly in the Upper Lough Erne area, with people and dogs on private land noted to have disrupted, and in some instances damaged, areas in which birds such as rare curlews are known to nest and produce their young," he said.

"We know that people will want to enjoy the Easter weekend out in nature but we urge you to do so in such a way as to respect the local bird population, other wildlife and countryside."

West conservation manager for the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB) NI Sean Woods said early spring is "a critical time" for ground nesting waders as it is breeding season.

"These birds already face a multitude of threats and it is vital we support them and give them every possible chance to nest and rear young," he said.

"Repeated disturbance at this time of year, especially when dogs are involved, could result in birds abandoning their breeding territories and nests."

Mr McDowell added: "We work extensively with our partners to prevent and address the issue of disturbance to ground nesting birds on an ongoing basis, and if we believe damage is being caused intentionally or recklessly, our officers can investigate with the support and assistance of the PSNI central wildlife and animal welfare office.

"Any reported wildlife crime will be taken seriously and appropriately dealt with and investigated accordingly.

"We urge everyone to respect the habitats of our rare bird species when out and about in the countryside or on the coast.

"We also encourage anyone with information relating to disturbance of ground nesting birds, to report this on 101 or online at www.psni.police.uk/makeareport

"Information can also be provided anonymously via Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

"Please be assured, we will continue our efforts with our partners in tackling wildlife crime across Northern Ireland."

The police issued the advice, in partnership with RSPB NI and NIEA, ahead of the Easter weekend and World Curlew Day on Monday April 21.