3. The Impact of Recreational Disturbance
3.1 When birds are disturbed, they stop feeding, resting and may even fly away. If the birds cannot feed and rest undisturbed, they will not have enough energy to reproduce or they may suffer increased mortality. This can in turn lead to population declines of protected species. If the disturbance is substantial, then food-rich areas may be little used by the birds or avoided altogether, leading to other areas hosting a higher density of birds and intensifying the competition for the available food. If the birds are unable to consume enough calories ahead of their planned migration, they may not be fit enough to complete this journey, or have a successful breeding season if they do reach their summer homes.
3.2 Disturbance to breeding birds, their nests or chicks can result in a severe decline in their breeding success, with possible nest abandonment and increased predation both becoming likely. Again, this can in turn lead to population declines in protected species.
