Wader Quest; New Project

Magellanic Plovers are little studied and understood, there is no clear picture about their population size and whether or not the perceived decline in their numbers is due to a change in habits or a genuine decline.

Adult Magellanic Plover Pluvianellus socialis; Laguna Verde, Tierra del Fuego, Chile. November 2013.

There have been a small number of studies carried out in Argentina on this species but none in Chile, so Wader Quest has teamed up with local ornithologist Ricardo Matus to commence a ringing and flagging programme to start trying to get some answers.

Adult Magellanic Plover Pluvianellus socialis; Laguna Verde, Tierra del Fuego, Chile. November 2013.

This study hopes to give an insight into movements of these birds, longevity and survival rates. Later we hope to develop the programme to include the use of satellite tagging to see if we can identify migration hotspots that may be in need of protection and management. Finally we hope that we will be able to work with other organisations to do the first full scale breeding survey of this species, in often difficult conditions, in a remote part of the world.

Juvenile Magellanic Plover Pluvianellus socialis; Laguna dos Palos, Tierra del Fuego, Chile. November 2013.

While it is intended that the study will last for some years initially we have to supply the team in Chile with mist nets and fund their work in the field. It is crucial to learn more about these birds and not wait until they are on the brink of extinction before action is taken.

Our fund has only just started and looks pretty pathetic at the moment, so, if you feel that you would like to support this new project please feel free to donate using the button at the top of the right hand side bar on this site labelled MAGELLANIC PLOVER DONATIONS.

Ault Magellanic Plover Pluvianellus socialis; Laguna Verde, Tierra del Fuego, Chile. November 2013.

For more details go to the MAGELLANIC PLOVER APPEAL page and, just as a reminder, every penny or cent donated will be used to fund the project, none is removed for administration or expenses.

Thank you!