They are no bigger than a quail’s egg and their gray and beige colors blend perfectly into their environment… In recent weeks, seabirds have begun to lay their eggs discreetly on the French coast. Because as surprising as it may seem, some nest right in the middle of the beach, in very unsophisticated nests. This is the case of the ringed ringed plover.
“It only needs a simple bowl in the sand, without straw or anything,” describes Sophie Poncet, bird and marine mammal project manager at the French Biodiversity Office (OFB). Its eggs are mimetic to be as invisible as possible from predators, such as crows and gulls. Hence the problem…”
The problem is that if it protects itself from enemies by camouflaging itself, the plover creates others: humans. Many of them flock to the beaches during these school holidays, representing a real threat to these small white and brown birds which will remain in the area until August. Hence the need to be very careful about where you place your feet and your towel. “There is a risk of trampling on them, the eggs but also the chicks,” confirms Sophie Poncet. Which is problematic because it is a protected species at French and European level. For the ringed plover, there are only between 1,200 and 1,500 pairs throughout France. »
Marking and cages
In order to preserve the species, but also other particularly exposed birds such as terns or oystercatchers, the authorities launched the operation several years ago “We walk on eggshells”, the new edition of which has just started. Objective: to make walkers and vacationers aware of this phenomenon, in order to disturb nesting as little as possible. Already, protective measures have been put in place on many beaches such as marking nests, but also the installation of anti-predation cages in which birds can take refuge.
Followed by effects since they showed “a reproductive success of 86% for protected nests, compared to 30% for the others”. In 2023, 33 ring-necked plover chicks were born, for example, in the Arcachon basin marine park area, compared to 19 in 2022. “People are generally attentive, respect the signs, but there is still a large number problem with dogs, observes Sophie Poncet. You really have to be careful to keep them on a leash. The beach is a space of freedom but it is also a living space for birds. »
The electric “fat bikes” that appear on beaches and dunes also worry the authorities. They recall that the destruction or intentional disturbance of protected species are offenses punishable by three years in prison and a fine of 150,000 euros.