Waders are declining at the Tagus estuary

Results from the long-term monitoring of wintering waders at the Tagus estuary has now brought the worrying evidence: populations are indeed declining! Wintering populations of three out of the five most abundant species, Dunlin Calidris alpina, Grey Plover Pluvialis squatarola and Redshank Tringa totanus, showed significant declines over the past three decades. In the Tagus estuary several roosts have disappeared in the last decades, while others are presently threatened by human activities, and this is likely to be one of the most relevant causes of wader declines.
This study, now published in the journal Bird Conservation International, also provides data about the phenology and patters of roost-use of waders in the Tagus estuary. New data highlights the importance of this wetland as a stopover site for waders using the East-Atlantic Flyway, with very high numbers of birds occuring during spring and autumn migration.
You can read more here.