An update to the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species sees four UK wading birds’ threat categories worsen All four species rest and feed on UK shorelines when they migrate – either to overwinter or to stop off during a longer journey – with estuaries being particularly important. In the midst of the COP16 biodiversity conference, this is a wakeup call for just how vital these areas are. But they’re not just a lifeline for these four birds, a whole range of waders and waterfowl rely on them. Hundreds of thousands of individual birds make use of them every year. And while many estuaries are protected, they still face threats from pollution, development, and climate change. With migratory waders one of the most threatened bird groups around the world, these habitats need far stronger protections now. Source: IUCN Red List and BirdLife International Video credits: Paul Wheatley/LeedsBirder (Curlew Sandpiper) and Mark James Pearson/Markthebirder (Grey Plover) #birds #birdstagram...