Wader Quest

16/05/2026

Make a note in your diary 10th - 12th July 2026.
Global Birdfair is one of the biggest events for all birders, conservationists and nature lovers.
We are looking forward to seeing familiar faces and meeting new wildlife enthusiasts once again.
Wader Quest would like to say a big THANK YOU to Limosa Holidays WildWings for sponsoring our stand again this year.

Spoon-billed Sandpiper © BIN GAO

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Tim Appleton

13/05/2026

11/05/2026

Global Big Day
We started at 5:00 am and travelled 244.3 miles, despite the rain we did very well we think, seeing or hearing 111 species in that time. But of course this isn't just about having fun, there is a serious message behind it and that is that many species of bird, across the world, especially those that are migratory are in trouble.
Highlights included finding a Glossy Ibis and three Wood Sandpipers at Cowpen Marsh and seeing some declining species such as Common Redstart (Amber Listed in UK), Pied Flycatcher (Red Listed in UK) and Turtle Dove (Vulnerable and Red Listed in UK) along the way. Any day that includes a colony of seabirds is always a good one and the visit to Bempton Cliffs was a great finale where we saw a day flying Barn Owl and among the throngs of other cliff nesting birds we eventually found an Atlantic Puffin(Vulnerable and Red Listed in UK). An added bonus here was another declining species, Corn Bunting (Red Listed in UK).Some familiar and widespread birds are also in trouble, species like the Northern Lapwing and Eurasian Curlew are both Near Threatened and on the Red List in the British Isles and even formerly ubiquitous species like the Willow warbler (Amber Listed in UK) are losing ground.The day finished when we returned home at 19:00, exhausted, but having had a very fulfilling day.
Wood Sandpiper
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Global Birding Tim Appleton Cornell Lab of Ornithology eBird

08/05/2026

Global Big Day is tomorrow!
We’re excited to be part of this wonderful worldwide event that brings people together to celebrate and appreciate birds in all their beauty and diversity.
Without these incredible creatures, the world would feel much emptier; they bring colour, sound and wonder to our everyday lives.
Let’s take a moment to enjoy, cherish, and protect them.

Details of how to share your eBird checklist. https://drive.google.com/file/d/10IZ3fogG9SILSG8Vprs6pzTzQH_Gplzb/view?usp=sharing

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Cornell Lab of Ornithology eBird




Global Birding Tim Appleton Projeto Aves Limícolas Bruno Lima

07/05/2026

Wader Quest is pleased to announce that the Summer grants window is now open for applications.
We are especially keen on funding small-scale conservation projects, particularly those that:
– Deliver tangible and sustainable conservation outcomes.
– Demonstrate clear benefits to wader species (resident or migratory).
– Meaningfully engage local communities.
– Would otherwise face challenges in accessing conventional funding sources.

While we still welcome applications from overseas, the Trustees are particularly keen to receive applications from projects based in the UK.

All grant applicants are encouraged to read the application policy and guidance before submitting a grant application to ensure that they have the best possible chance of receiving a positive outcome.

For more information and to submit an application, please visit our
website - https://waderquest.net/grants/

Bar-tailed Godwit © Elis Simpson Rick-Elis Simpson
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04/05/2026

Global Big Day is almost here on May 9!

It's about protecting the species we love.
On this day, people from all over the world go birding, watch birds, and come together all for the cause of something bigger than themselves.

It's not about individuals, it's about the global bridging communities working in unison as one force for good.

The result of this cooperation is data. This is used to inform and create action, which is what conservation is all about. Doing something to make things better for the natural world.

Getting involved is simple with eBird, just go birding, enjoy nature, and share your checklist(s) with WaderQuestTeam and be part of something that ripples around the world as it spins.

Let’s make our small actions powerful, together.

Joining is easy with eBird, Details on how to share your eBird checklist!

https://www.waderquest.net/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/How-to-share-you-eBird-checklist.pdf

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Cornell Lab of Ornithology eBird




Global Birding Tim Appleton

Projeto Aves Limícolas
Bruno Lima

01/05/2026

In the Northern Hemisphere, it is that time of year when the cutest chicks in the world, wader or shorebird chicks, will be hatching and are out and about with their parents. Please, if you are going to any habitat, for example beaches or moorland, where waders and other ground nesting birds are breeding, be respectful of their space and needs. In order that their young can survive long enough to be able to fly and escape danger, it is particularly important if you are exercising your dog to keep them on a lead and for us to stick to designated routes and footpaths. That way, these vulnerable families will have a place where they can be safe and grow. Many of these species are declining and that is directly due to unsuccessful breeding in sufficient numbers to maintain the population. Give them a chance to thrive and survive.

Photo American Avocet by © Jack Zhi
Piping Plover © by Pexels

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29/04/2026

Global Big Day is coming up on May 9
This isn’t just about birdwatching… Global Big Day demonstrates how collective actions, however local or small, can generate meaningful data that supports global conservation efforts.

Each observation shared through eBird contributes to a growing dataset used by researchers, conservationists, and policymakers alike.

Your actions create data, which in turn inform decisions, and in the end will lead to positive conservation outcomes.

Participation is simple; go birding
submit your eBird checklist
remember to share your submitted list with the WaderQuestTeam.
Global Big Day is a powerful example of how collaboration can make a genuine difference.

Details of how to share your eBird checklist.
https://www.waderquest.net/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/How-to-share-you-eBird-checklist.pdf

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Cornell Lab of Ornithology eBird




Global Birding Tim Appleton
Projeto Aves Limícolas

25/04/2026

Join or renew your Friends of Wader Quest membership today.
As Wader Quest grows to meet the needs of delivering on its mission and ambition of greater supporting wader, or shorebird, conservation, it has unfortunately become necessary to increase our membership (first rise since April 2016) and merchandise prices from April 27th 2026.
To beat the increases, join us now by direct debit or card payment and add your voice and support to wader conservation efforts and to raising the profile of these vulnerable birds.
If you have previously been a Friend of Wader Quest, renew your membership now and also beat the price rise. Rejoin as a member and receive your previous and new member benefits that are to be introduced, with your membership being back-dated to January.
Spoon-billed Sandpiper © BIN GAO from Pixabay

https://waderquest2.beaconforms.com/form/c46b8d4a?thwepof_product_fields=&add-to-cart=/

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22/04/2026

Hi everyone, just a little reminder that our Wader Quest Webinar is happening tomorrow, and we’d love for you to join us!
19:30 – 20:30 BST Please register in advance (closes 19.30 BST today) to receive your webinar access link prior to the event.
Co-founder Rick Simpson will share the history of Wader Quest, valuable insights into the challenges facing waders, including habitat loss, pollution, and climate change, as well as the actions needed to support their conservation.
It’s a relaxed and informal session perfect for anyone who already cares about these threatened species or is just curious. You’ll all be very welcome.
We look forward to your participation in this important conversation.

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https://www.tickettailor.com/events/waderquest/2143803

20/04/2026

World Curlew Day, tomorrow celebrated, is a special occasion to raise awareness about the conservation of curlews, majestic waders known for their long, curved bills and haunting calls. These birds face threats from habitat loss and environmental changes, so celebrating the day helps highlight the importance of protecting their habitats.

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Curlew Action
Mary Colwell