Lyndhurst Community Centre What's On Magazine August 2022

their bills, and deep in the mud can literally
feel out worms and types of shellfish.
Oystercatchers are especially adept with
this unique functionality.
Curlews are another large wader that has
sensitivity in their bills, and as opposed to a
straight long bill, the curlew’s bill is curved,
pointing downwards.
Whereas, the avocet, the symbol of the
RSPB has a long bill, that is curved
upwards.
This allows the avocet to sift-feed for
small shrimps and crustaceans at tidal
edges, as opposed to probing deep in the
mudflats.
Adult oystercatcher (large wader) searching the shoreline
When all these species of waders are
scrutinised together, the fascination is that
none of these birds are in direct
competition with one another.
As each, will feed at a different level
within the mud or water, and will search out
different food, ensuring that their chances
of survival are greatly enhanced.
You may see many wader species feeding
together, or a large solitary group.
Large group of dunlin (a small wading bird) at the water’s edge
Oystercatcher photo courtesy of the writer, dunlin photo courtesy of Chris Robinson
More information and other nature articles can be found at
https://group.rspb.org.uk/newforest This is the website of the
local RSPB New Forest members group, who also
organise local field trips throughout the year.
For more details on these, and the indoor meetings which are due
to re-start in September, please email: newforestgroup@rspb.org.uk
Keith Partridge, RSPB New Forest Group Leader
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