Threatened birds stop Knowsley Safari show by laying eggs in display area

A returning pair of wild Oystercatchers have shown Knowsley Safari who’s boss, by nesting in one of the busiest areas of the popular attraction.

The wading birds, often found in freshwater and seawater terrain, have laid claim to the entire outdoor Birds of Prey display area, just as Knowsley Safari is gearing up to open its popular summer show, Flight of the Talons.

The monogamous pair are sharing the incubation of their two eggs at their newly adopted habitat, with the female mainly keeping the eggs warm, while the male engages in territory defence.

Oystercatchers are listed as Near Threatened on the global IUCN Red List, which logs the extinction risk of the world’s most threatened species. Currently there are approximately 95,500 breeding pairs in the UK.

Graham Bessant, who runs Knowsley Safari’s Birds of Prey Experience, said:

“This pair of Oystercatchers comes to Knowsley Safari to nest each year, although they usually choose a quiet spot on the edge of the lake. This year, they’ve selected the very centre of our display area, and like most proud parents, are keen for their offspring to be centre of attention.

“Having spotted the eggs during our outdoor preparations, we quickly brought things to a halt and cordoned off the entire area to reduce any risks of the birds being disturbed or the eggs trampled.”

The eggs are expected to hatch mid-May, when the chicks will naturally migrate to an area with more shelter, such as hedgerow or bushes. Until then, the Birds of Prey display will continue inside the large indoor centre each day from 12pm.

Rachel Scott, Head of Marketing, Knowsley Safari, said:

“We’re delighted to have hundreds of acres of natural habitat and new events that visitors come back to year after year. It’s not just our human guests enjoying repeat visits to the Safari, the wildlife comes back regularly too!”