#Curlew thread from the UK and #WaderTales, in preparation for World Curlew Day: 21st April ( @WCDApril21)
We need to learn to value and conserve the world's curlews before species disappear from local areas, whole countries and completely.
#ornithology #waders #shorebirds

Curlews are in trouble across the globe. Two species are extinct (or probably extinct). This blog summarises a review of the problems facing the numeniini (curlews, godwits and Upland Sandpiper)
https://wadertales.wordpress.com/2017/03/01/why-are-we-losing-our-large-waders/
#ornithology #waders #shorebirds

Curlews are large birds and they need space.
Tracking of tagged Eurasian #Curlew in Wales showed that breeding birds can feed up to 21 km away from their nests.
#ornithology #waders #shorebirds

In the UK, #Curlew numbers are in serious decline. Large winter flocks of birds from Scandinavia and Europe disguise the rapid decline in numbers. This blog explains why they are red-listed:
https://wadertales.wordpress.com/2015/11/03/is-the-curlew-really-near-threatened/
#ornithology #waders #shorebirds

The biggest problem is that pairs are producing far too few chicks. An ageing population is slowly decaying.
A 94% decline in Ireland shows how quickly local extinctions can occur:
https://wadertales.wordpress.com/2019/03/01/irelands-curlew-crisis/
#ornithology #waders #shorebirds

So what are the issues for the UK's Curlew?
This review by @_BTO and @RSPBScience summarises the problems facing our UK #Curlew - squeezed by habitat change and exposed to high predation:
https://wadertales.wordpress.com/2017/08/31/curlews-cant-wait-for-a-treatment-plan/
#ornithology #waders #shorebirds

There are different issues for different populations. This blog focuses upon the role of upland sheep farming in Wales:
https://wadertales.wordpress.com/2017/12/21/sheep-numbers-and-welsh-curlew/
#ornithology #waders #shorebirds

Foxes are a common problem. Any plan to try to increase productivity depends on boosting chick productivity - which means reducing predation. Here's what is happening in East Anglia:
https://wadertales.wordpress.com/2020/02/24/curlews-and-foxes-in-east-anglia/
#ornithology #waders #shorebirds

The UK has international responsibilities when it comes to Curlew conservation. The latest review of wintering numbers points to a 20,000 drop in just 8 years. Estuaries and adjacent farmland require ongoing protection.
https://wadertales.wordpress.com/2019/03/14/do-population-estimates-matter/
#ornithology #waders #shorebirds

There are some great local initiatives to support breeding #Curlew in the UK, supported by scientific research by @RSPBScience @_BTO @Gameandwildlife & @WWTconservation. Coordination is provided by the Curlew Forum:
https://www.curlewcall.org/ 
#ornithology #waders #shorebirds

One of the driving forces for #Curlew in the UK is Mary Colwell ( @curlewcalls). Her lovely book 'Curlew Moon' explains why the Curlew is an important part of our heritage.
Let's help her to protect them! @CurlewAction
https://wadertales.wordpress.com/2018/04/29/curlew-moon/
#ornithology #waders #shorebirds