Tragically, Curlews are in such steep decline that they could become extinct as a breeding species in Wales within the next decade.  Though these birds are long-lived, breeding success is low – thousands more chicks need to fledge just to stop the decline, the main causes of which are loss of habitat, changes in farming practices and predation.  Curlews breed in meadows, rough or wet grassland, bogs, moorland and silage.  Silage fields, with grass too dense for tiny chicks to move through easily, may be cut three or four times a year so eggs and chicks often fall victim to heavy machinery.  Hay fields are far safer as they’re cut late in the year and are easier for newly-hatched chicks to pass through in their search for invertebrates, their main food. 

The Gwent Ornithological Society (GOS) has set up an email address Curlew@gwentbirds.org.uk to which you are asked to send all records of birds seen or heard inland Gwent this spring and summer (coastal records are not required).  Before we can target conservation work we need to know where these iconic birds are. 

Please include the date, location (nearest town or village plus, if possible, the grid reference), the number of birds, behaviour, any vocalisation (call or bubbling song) and the habitat (e.g. grassland, silage, bog) and any livestock present.  All information, no matter how little, will be helpful.

Curlews are site-faithful so check out any areas where you’ve seen them in the past – they may well return this year.  Please spread the word far and wide – we want as many records as possible. 

This lovely video will help with the identification of Curlews and their calls for those who are unfamiliar with them  https://curlewcountry.org/2020/04/20/curlew-observation-training-film/ .