Avocet chicks hatch in Devon for first time ever

Two avocet chicks hatched for the first time ever recorded in Devon on Monday (26 June), according to East Devon District Council.

The local authority said two avocets were seen foraging in the brackish lagoon of Black Hole Marsh at Seaton Wetlands in spring.

A pair of the birds, which have pied black-and-white plumage and thin upturned bills, were then spotted mating on the lagoon in late May before settling down to brood eggs on an island by the beginning of June.

Avocet chicks take to water for first time at Seaton Wetlands (Sue Smith/ EDDC)

East Devon District Council's Countryside Manager James Chubb said: "Whilst the Countryside Team could keep alert for intentional or reckless human disturbance, it was all down to the birds to protect themselves from natural predators.

"With the female sitting tight on the eggs, the male would stand like a sentry on the northern tip of the island.

"Anything smaller than a Canada goose was seen off. We've a lot of crows here too and they weren't even tolerated in the air above the nest.

"We kept the water levels on the lagoon as high as possible during incubation to provide protection from animals such as foxes or stoats."

Black Hole Marsh was created in 2008 with support from the Environment Agency as part of East Devon District Council's Seaton Wetlands complex of nature reserves.

Cllr Geoff Jung (Lib Dem, Woodbury and Lympstone) said: "Strategic plans to attract avocets have long been in place.

"During that time, winter records of these birds have been regular in most years. Fifteen years on, it is now a magical sight to witness them breeding.

"Because the lagoon was entirely man-made, it was designed to provide excellent bird feeding opportunities whilst giving good views from the hides and vantage points, too."

Avocets feed on small shrimps or other invertebrates which they glean from the surface of the water or mud on estuaries or tidal lagoons.