Animal and nature conservationists ask for consideration for the breeding season of birds on gravel banks

Created: 05/11/2022, 05:00 p.m

Hidden image with little ringed plover: This bird, which has become rare, usually breeds on a gravel bank in Tölz.

Entry restrictions are signposted.

© F: Martin Fischhaber/A

In order to make it easier for rare birds such as the little ringed plover to breed on gravel banks, consideration is currently required on the Isar.

Bad Tölz –

Spring is here, and with it the gravel breeders are returning from their winter quarters.

But not only they, also those looking for relaxation are drawn to the Isar with the warmer days.

So that the already endangered birds - such as the little ringed plover - which breed on gravel banks and islands, are not disturbed, the State Association for Bird Protection (LBV) and the Lower Nature Conservation Authority explain the correct behavior in the vicinity of the breeding sites.

"The first breeding pairs could already be sitting on their eggs," explains Sabine Tappertzhofen, branch manager of the LBV Bad Tölz-Wolfratshausen.

However, there is no proof of this yet.

The lower nature conservation authority at the district office reports: “Some sections of our Isar are among the best-preserved and therefore most important wild river landscapes in Germany.

Here the little ringed plover still finds suitable habitats and breeding opportunities.”

Isar area in the district as an important wild river landscape - well preserved

In a statement, the LBV asks that special consideration be given to bird species such as little ringed plovers and sandpipers.

"Too many boaters, bathers, but also walkers with dogs represent constant disturbances for the gravel breeders, which are threatened with extinction, which drastically endanger the breeding success," says LBV Alpine Advisor Michael Schödl.

You don't usually see the birds' nests in the gravel, says Tappertzhofen.

"You only notice them when the brood is released, when a bird leaves the nest and the partner takes over the brooding." There is therefore a risk that people or dogs will accidentally crush the eggs.

In addition, deformities, lack of food or being eaten by other animals can be reasons why not all young birds in a clutch survive.

According to Tappertzhofen, it is also normal for all creatures that live along rivers that eggs and chicks regularly fall victim to flooding.

"However, the gravel breeders are adapted to this 'natural problem' in that they can lay eggs a second time if a clutch is lost," explains the Lower Nature Conservation Authority.

Disturbances scare the animals away

Nevertheless, walkers and those looking for relaxation on the water should pay attention to the animals.

Permanent disturbances ensure that the few breeding sites that still exist for the little ringed plover in Bavaria are lost.

"Many birds do not even settle in an area if there is too much disturbance," explains Tappertzhofen.

“This has been proven for the common sandpiper that also occurs here.” According to the LBV expert, the assumption that breeding birds would tolerate quiet bathers in their vicinity is wrong.

"By this point, they're pretty much chained to the nest." If there aren't any eggs in the nest, the bird may leave the area.

"In the worst case, it doesn't breed at all that year.

These are losses that no one ever notices.”

Rooms released again after the breeding season

For this reason, the breeding sites are marked as sensitive areas.

However, undeveloped river sections where the birds can rear their young undisturbed are becoming increasingly rare.

According to the LBV, the following should be observed so that the animals are not disturbed during the breeding season: Basically, during the breeding season, i.e. from the beginning of April to the end of July, but especially in May and June, you should not step on the gravel banks, if possible, on the marked ones Stay away from and do not enter restricted areas.

"Unfortunately, despite numerous signs stating that entering the gravel islands is prohibited between March 15th and August 10th to protect the gravel breeders, people are regularly found on the gravel islands." round,

marked with yellow signs.

“These signs are visible from both land and water.

If it is determined that a sign is noticed but ignored, a fine can be imposed," says the district office.

When the birds sit on the eggs, rooms are released again for those seeking relaxation.

"The better the coexistence of man and nature works by itself, the fewer closures are needed," says the LBV Alpine consultant.

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