Conservationists in Northumberland have called for pet owners to get their dogs under control after footage was shared of a dog chasing nesting shorebirds at the Aln Estuary.
The winter months see rare species of wading birds of 'international importance' feeding and roosting on the Northumberland coast, such as ring plovers, purple sand pipers and sanderlings.
However, being disturbed can harm their chances of survival.
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Tom Cadwallender, an ornithologist who lives close to Alnmouth and took the video above said: "The coastline is designated for wintering shoreline birds which come down from the Arctic every winter. We have a responsibility for these birds, as there are international designations here to protect their populations.
"They need to feed and roost undisturbed because the more they are disturbed the less they can feed and rest for their journey back to the Arctic, so they'll die out."
Research has shown that more than 50% of coastal bird disturbance involves a dog, usually one which is off lead.
However, Tom says that being off the lead is not the main issue: "It's not a question of dogs being off leads - it's that they're out of control. That's the issue, we're not interested in banning dogs or anything like that."
Though the video was captured at Alnmouth, Tom says that it's an issue all over the country, especially since the Covid pandemic when more people have got dogs and brought them to the coast. But the problem especially affects Northumberland due to the birds that come here at this time of year.
Patrick Norris, Chair of the Northumberland Coast AONB partnership said: "It's an issue at this time of year because the Arctic birds are resting and feeding to get fattened up for their journeys back up north to Iceland and Greenland. They'll be off in the next six weeks - so just be aware of your dog disturbing wildlife.
"It's the same thing with sheep - dogs just chase things. Just be aware, and don't allow your dog to chase wild birds."
Space for Shorebirds, a Northumberland County Council project which is responsible for conserving shorebirds from Berwick upon Tweed to Seaton Sluice, has four simple rules to follow for dogs on the county's beaches, which are: Give birds about 40 - 50 metres space, never chase the birds, follow signage and requests by rangers, and keep to main paths when crossing dunes.
Richard Willis, Senior Wildlife Ranger at Space for Shorebirds, said: "It's much more about trying to educate and inform all beach users, in particular dog walkers, that really simple message of watching out for the birds. It resonates rather than the usual thing of 'put that dog on a lead' and therefore villainising the dog.
He continued: "During the long winter nights, the birds try and feed up as much as they can to see themselves through the winter. It give the birds a chance to build up their energy and if they spend lots of time flying away, they're using that energy. Even if they're not predated by the dogs, it can harm the bird's chances of survival and the overall population numbers may decrease."
