Undisturbed rest is the key to success for migrating birds that stop off in Cleethorpes

If you’re facing a long drive on the motorway this weekend spare a thought for the journey taken by our migratory birds twice a year every year.

In spring, thousands of wetland birds stop off along our North East Lincolnshire coastline as they make the exhausting journey from Africa back to their Arctic breeding grounds.

Saturday May 10 is World Migratory Bird Day. It is a global campaign that acts as a beacon for conservation efforts to protect migratory birds and their journeys across borders. Celebrated twice a year – in May and October – it reflects the cyclical nature of bird migration and the varying peak periods in the northern and southern hemispheres.

Ringed Plovers, Sanderlings, Dunlin, Whimbrel, Grey Plovers and Redshank are just a few of the birds who depend on the Humber Estuary to refuel on their way north from southern wintering grounds.

Each year, WMBD selects a theme to inspire action and concentrate global efforts towards preserving the habitats and wellbeing of migratory birds. This year’s theme underscores the urgent need for bird-friendly towns and cities.

Here on the Humber Estuary, we are very aware of the need to protect these birds. North East Lincolnshire Council has already created two unique sites, in Cress Marsh and Novartis Ings, that act like motorway service stations to assist the thousands of migratory birds that stop off here. Some birds pass through on their way to other places, whereas others have been here all winter.

The saltmarsh at Cleethorpes and the sand dunes are ideal feeding and resting grounds too, and there are very few places where people can see these birds so closely.

However, the key to a successful migration is being able to rest and feed undisturbed and, while this is possible at Novartis Ings and Cress Marsh, it can be more difficult on the busy coastline at Cleethorpes.

If migratory birds cannot rest, they are unable to renew their energy levels and boost their immune system, potentially leading to illness and death. Long migrations can involve continuous flight for days without opportunities to rest or refuel, and a lack of rest can impair their ability to recover and maintain their health.

With that in mind, we urge everyone to enjoy our birds this weekend but please help them to get the rest they need by following these simple steps:
• Keep to the designated footpaths
• Keep dogs under control
• Anyone using the coastline for water sports must stay away from the salt marsh and sand banks.

Preventing SPA birds from feeding or roosting and causing them to take flight is a criminal offence and offenders can be prosecuted under the EU Birds Directive.

Fun fact: No bird migration list is ever complete without mentioning the record-breaking feats of the Arctic Tern. By far the longest migration known in the animal kingdom, this medium-sized bird travels 90,000 km (55,923 miles) from pole to pole every year — from Greenland in the North to the Weddell Sea in the South.