Record numbers of lapwings have gathered along the Humber estuary, offering a rare conservation success story.
The RSPB reported “crazy numbers” across its reserves from Blacktoft Sands to Tetney Marshes.
Between 15,000 and 20,000 birds have been counted along the wider estuary.
More than 2,800 are roosting at Blacktoft Sands alone.
The species is on the UK Red List after a 55% national decline since the 1960s.
Many of the birds arrive from continental Europe and other parts of Britain to feed on surrounding farmland.
Conservationists say the estuary’s wetlands provide vital winter habitat.
The reserves form part of the East Coast Wetlands Project.
The scheme aims to protect feeding and roosting areas for up to a million migrating waders and wildfowl each year.
Site managers say the influx is especially encouraging given the lapwing’s falling breeding population.
