Regional models of the influence of human disturbance and habitat quality on the distribution of breeding territories of common ringed plover Charadrius hiaticula and Eurasian oystercatcher Haematopus ostralegus

We estimated the influence of human disturbance and environmental factors on territory establishment in common ringed plovers Charadrius hiaticula Eurasian oystercatchers Haematopus ostralegus, to inform conservation these species. examined a 212 km stretch coastline United Kingdom 2003, mapping all breeding pairs both study species, as well characteristics beaches locations visitors beach, latter measured by filming from light aircraft. Of 1,003 200m sections beach surveyed, 183 contained plover territories (267 pairs) 117 oystercatcher (226 pairs). 38,634 were mapped three flights. Population densities lower with high visitor numbers, even when accounting for beach. The two bird species showed similar rates at very low rates, but stronger negative response reached higher levels. Binary logistic regression models used identify areas where birds would benefit most reductions number we illustrate how this information could be management around sites otherwise favourable establishment.