The RSPB is assisting Norfolk Constabulary in an investigation surrounding the suspected theft this week of little tern eggs from Winterton beach in North Norfolk.
In the early hours of the morning of Thursday 20 June 20, RSPB little tern wardens discovered that up to 20 eggs had been illegally stolen from 7 clutches.
Human footprints were identified leading up to each nest.
Little terns are one of the UK’s rarest breeding seabirds, having suffered serious declines over the past 25 years.
In the 1980s there were 2,500 breeding pairs. This fell to fewer than 2,000 pairs in 2000, and it is now estimated that there are currently 1,500 pairs or fewer.
Fabian Harrison, of the RSPB, says: “With over half of the UK’s breeding little terns making a home in East Anglia this year, this is devastating.
"It is upsetting to see the hard work of these birds go to waste, as they will now have to re-lay and attempt to rear their chicks before the summer is over.
"We implore the public to stay vigilant and to report any suspicious behaviour to the Police immediately.”
Norfolk police are appealing for information from anybody who witnessed anything suspicious between 6 pm on Wednesday June 19 June and 7.30 am on Thursday June 20 , on or near Winterton beach.
Photo: Courtesy RSPB.
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