Protected Birds Avocets Successfully Hatch in Seaton Wetlands While Officials Maintain Water Levels — UK

Avocets, a protected species, successfully hatched in the Seaton Wetlands in the UK for the first time in 176 years. Officials at the time did their utmost to keep the area's water levels stable from the brooding stage until the hatchlings began moving around.

Avocet Chicks in Seaton Wetlands UK

New hatchlings have been reported at Seaton Wetlands, and this is undoubtedly an exciting development as avocet chicks were born on Monday, June 26, marking the first time in 176 years that a family unit has been seen in Devon.

The avocet parents arrived in the spring, went out foraging, mated, and by early June had settled down and started a nest. The Wetlands team meticulously watched the birds as they settled down on an island to ensure their success.

Avocets are highly recognizable birds, both sexes having strikingly distinct markings on their black and white pied plumage, long, pale blue legs, and narrow, upturned bills. They decided to build their nests on an island with little vegetation. Both birds kept a sharp eye out for potential predators, which are plentiful in the local nature reserve, according to East Devon District Council.

Kept Secret, Maintained Water Levels, and Protected

It has been maintained a closely-kept secret until the hatching because there are so many risky aspects that could disrupt the incubation time.

James Chubb, the Countryside Manager for East Devon District Council, explained that while the female sat firmly on the eggs, the male avocet would stand guard on the island's northernmost point. Anything less than a Canada goose was not let through. Crows are prevalent in the area, according to Chubb, and they weren't even allowed in the air over the nest.

Chubb stated that while the Countryside Team may be on the lookout for willful or careless human disturbance, it was up to the birds to defend themselves against natural predators.

During the incubation period, the team also maintained the lagoon's water levels as high as possible to give protection from predators like foxes and stoats, BBC News reports.

The leader of the East Devon District Council, Councilor Paul Arnott, stated that the admin has consistently backed and protected the environment. The council continues to invest in the cherished nature areas near East Devon because it recognizes the value of protecting wildlife and their natural habitats.

Arnott extended his gratitude to all the employees and volunteers in East Devon who made this possible and expressed his joy at seeing that efforts have paid off with the nesting of this famous wetlands species.

Black Hole Marsh to Attract Avocets

As part of East Devon District Council's ambitious Seaton Wetlands series of nature reserves, Black Hole Marsh was established in 2008 with assistance from the Environment Agency, demonstrating the District Council's commitment to nature recovery at an extremely early stage.

Strategic strategies to draw avocets have long been in place, according to Cllr Geoff Jung, Portfolio Holder for Coast, Country, and Environment at East Devon District Council. Winter sightings of these species have been documented often throughout that time. After fifteen years, seeing the species reproduce is now an amazing experience.

Jung claims that because the lagoon was wholly artificial, it was created to offer excellent bird-feeding possibilities as well as good views from the hides in addition to the vantage points. A wooden causeway leads to the central island hide, which is surrounded by birds and has a variety of vegetation, and is accessible from several islands.

Guests and bird watchers have the opportunity to visit Seaton Wetlands to observe the avocets' development for themselves, Visit Sidmouth reports.