Kentish plover
Living with the Kentish Plover is possible
This endangered species reproduced again on the beaches of Sant Pere Pescador following the exceptional quiet of the pandemic.
Their breeding season extends from the second fortnight of April to the second fortnight of June.
It used to occupy the whole beach
It used to feed on the shore and nest on the inner bank; today it has to share this space with us
When the beach is crowded with people, plovers find it harder to feed, move around, and cool down.
This is why the wet depressions on the inner edge of the beach have become their main areas for shelter and breeding.
The moisture in the sand keeps the ground cooler and prevents it from reaching extreme temperatures.
In these damp depressions, eggs, chicks, and adults suffer far less thermal stress
In contrast, outside the wetlands, dry sand can reach 53°C.
This extreme heat can be deadly for eggs during incubation and for newborn chicks
To protect themselves from the heat, they seek any available shade: even a simple pole can become a climatic refuge.
