The importance of keeping dogs on leash during nesting season: A vital act of conservation

By Charles Post, a Lofoten-based ecologist and human of @mr.knute, a Non-stop dogwear ambassador.

As dog owners, we cherish the time spent outdoors with our four-legged companions. Whether it's a walk through a coastal meadow, a hike up a mountain trail, or a stroll along a sandy beach, these experiences are deeply rewarding for both us and our dogs. However, during the critical period when ground-nesting birds are raising their young, it’s crucial that we, as responsible pet owners, keep our dogs on leash. This simple act can make a difference in protecting some of the most threatened birds on our planet.

The vulnerability of ground-nesting birds

Ground-nesting birds, such as oystercatchers, curlews, sandpipers, plovers, ruffs, and whimbrels, are among the most vulnerable bird species globally. These birds face a myriad of challenges, from habitat loss to predation, and one of the most significant threats they encounter is human disturbance, particularly from off-leash dogs.

Unlike birds that build nests in trees or cliffs, ground-nesting birds lay their eggs directly on the ground, often in open fields, beaches, or heathlands. Their nests are simple scrapes in the earth, making them almost invisible to the untrained eye. The eggs and chicks, which are camouflaged to blend in with their surroundings, are incredibly vulnerable. When a dog wanders off-leash in these areas, it can easily trample nests, break eggs, disturb or even kill the young birds. In some cases, the continued presence of a dog can cause the parent birds to abandon their nests entirely, leading to the loss of their eggs and or helpless young.

Global impact of off-leash dogs

The impact of off-leash dogs on ground-nesting birds is a global issue.  Across the world, these birds are facing declining populations, and in many regions, they are considered threatened or endangered. The loss of these species would not only be a tragedy for biodiversity but would also diminish the natural beauty of the landscapes we love.

Imagine a coastal walk without the distinctive calls of curlews or a mountain hike without the sight of a golden plover soaring above. These birds are integral to the ecosystems they inhabit, and their presence enriches our outdoor experiences. However, without careful protection, we risk losing them forever.

Leash laws: a simple yet powerful solution

To protect these vulnerable birds, many countries have implemented leash laws during the nesting season. In Norway, for example, a country-wide leash law is in place from April 15 to August 20 to safeguard wildlife, particularly nesting birds. These laws are not just about controlling dogs; they are about preserving the delicate balance of nature and ensuring that future generations can enjoy the same rich biodiversity that we do.

By keeping our dogs on leash during this critical period, we can actively contribute to the conservation of these incredible birds. It’s a small action that requires minimal effort, yet its impact can be profound. We have the power to prevent unnecessary harm to wildlife and to protect the very essence of the natural environments we cherish.

Always remember to check local leash laws before heading to a new area. While national laws apply, some areas enforce longer leash periods to protect wildlife and livestock.

Is having your dog on a long line enough for his freedom and wildlife protection?

Using a long line can be a good compromise between giving your dog some freedom to explore and ensuring wildlife protection. A long line allows your dog to move around more freely than a standard leash, but still gives you control to prevent your dog from entering sensitive areas where wildlife may be nesting or denning.

However, it's important to use a long line responsibly. Ensure that you can still control your dog effectively, especially if you see signs of wildlife nearby. A dog on a long line should still be kept at a distance from areas that might be hosting nests or dens. Remember, even a dog on a long line can still cause disturbance if allowed to approach too closely to wildlife.

How does having a dog on leash protect birds?

Keeping a dog on a leash during the nesting season is a crucial step in protecting ground-nesting birds. When dogs are off-leash, they can unintentionally wander into areas where birds have laid their eggs or where chicks are being raised leading to injury to even worse, a young bird being killed. Ground-nesting birds build their nests directly on the ground, often in open fields, beaches, or heathlands, where their eggs and chicks are well-camouflaged and highly vulnerable.

An off-leash dog can easily trample nests, crush eggs, or scare away parent birds, leaving the nest exposed to predators like crows who regularly take eggs and baby birds while the adult birds are pre-occupied alarming from a dog or person who has come too close to their nest and or young. This plays out day after day during the nesting season, and sadly is major driver of ground nesting bird declines. Even if the dog doesn’t directly harm the nests, its presence can cause significant stress to the parent birds, leading them to abandon their nests or chicks. By keeping a dog on a leash, you prevent these accidental but potentially devastating disturbances, allowing the birds to breed and raise their young in peace, further preserving the magic of nature.

Charles is a trained bird biologist with the permits required to catch, handle, and study birds. These birds are being handled as part of an ongoing population study. Data is collected, the birds are banded with an identification tag, and then safely released. It’s important never to handle wildlife without training and authorization. 

Why is it so important for birds and other mammals to not be disturbed during this period?

The breeding and nesting period is a critical time for many species of birds and mammals. During this time, animals need to focus on laying eggs, incubating them, and raising their young. Disturbances can lead to a range of negative impacts:

1. Abandonment of Nests: Birds disturbed by humans or dogs may abandon their nests, leaving eggs or chicks to die from exposure or predation.
2. Increased Vulnerability: If parent birds are scared away, eggs or chicks are left unprotected and can become easy targets for predators like foxes, crows, or even other birds.
3. Energy Drain: Many animals, including birds, have limited energy reserves during breeding season. Disturbances force them to expend extra energy on fleeing or defending their nests, which can reduce their ability to care for their young.
4. Impact on Future Generations: Repeated disturbances can lead to lower reproductive success, which, over time, contributes to population declines, especially for species that are already endangered or vulnerable.

For mammals, disturbing their dens or young can similarly lead to abandonment or increased predation, further threatening already vulnerable populations.

How to recognize an area is hosting endangered/vulnerable species?

Recognizing areas that host endangered or vulnerable species requires a combination of awareness, observation, and often, local knowledge:

1. Signage: Many protected areas will have signs indicating that certain species are nesting or that the area is a habitat for vulnerable species. These signs might also specify leash laws or other restrictions to protect the wildlife.
2. Local knowledge: Check with local authorities, park rangers, or wildlife organizations before heading out. They can provide up-to-date information on areas where endangered species are present.
3. Habitat types: Ground-nesting birds often prefer certain types of habitats, such as open grasslands, coastal beaches, or wetlands. If you’re in these types of environments, be extra cautious and assume that vulnerable species might be present.
4. Seasonal awareness: Knowing the breeding season of local wildlife can also help. In many regions, this is from spring through late summer. During these times, it's wise to be more vigilant and adhere strictly to leash laws.
5. Observing behavior: Pay attention to the behavior of birds and other animals. If you see birds repeatedly flying low or behaving as though they are trying to lead you away from an area, it could be a sign they are protecting a nest.

By staying informed and observant, you can help protect vulnerable species and ensure that your outdoor activities are safe for both your dog and the wildlife that share these spaces.

The bigger picture: our role in conservation

The world is facing an alarming loss of biodiversity, and every action we take can either contribute to or help alleviate this crisis. As dog owners, we have a unique opportunity to be part of the solution. By respecting leash laws and being mindful of our surroundings, we can ensure that our love for nature and animals doesn’t come at the expense of wildlife.

Keeping our dogs on leash during the nesting season is an important step in preserving the magic and beauty of our planet. Each of us has the power to make a difference, and it’s up to us to decide what kind of impact we want to have. Let’s choose to be stewards of the environment and protect the incredible birds that make our outdoor adventures truly wild and whole.

So next time you head out with your dog, remember that a simple leash can be a lifeline for the birds that share our world. Together, we can help ensure that the call of the curlew, the sight of the golden plover, and the magic of nature continue to thrive for generations to come.