How many lapwings have been seen on the Humber estuary?

An estimated 15,000 to 20,000 lapwings have been counted along the Humber estuary, with over 2,800 roosting at the RSPB's Blacktoft Sands nature reserve.

Where are the lapwings on the Humber estuary coming from?

The lapwings are coming to the Humber and surrounding arable land from the continent and around the UK to feed.

Home / Environment / Thousands of Red List Lapwings Flock to UK Coast

Thousands of Red List Lapwings Flock to UK Coast

Q: Why are lapwings a conservation concern?

Lapwings are on the UK Red List, indicating the highest conservation priority due to severe population declines nationally, with numbers down 55% since the 1960s.

21 Feb

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Summary

Thousands of lapwings are congregating along the Humber estuary.
Lapwings are a UK Red List species facing severe population decline.
The Humber has attracted birds from the continent and across the UK.

Thousands of Red List Lapwings Flock to UK Coast

The Humber estuary has become a significant gathering point for lapwings, with "crazy numbers" reported by the RSPB. This influx is particularly noteworthy as the lapwing is currently on the UK Red List, designated as a species of the highest conservation priority due to severe population declines nationally, which have fallen by 55% since the 1960s.

An estimated 15,000 to 20,000 lapwings have been counted along the stretch from Blacktoft Sands near Goole to Tetney Marshes south of Grimsby. At the RSPB's Blacktoft Sands nature reserve alone, over 2,800 of these wading birds have been observed roosting. Site manager Pete Short described the situation as "really fantastic," especially given the national decline in breeding lapwing populations.