Welcome to our information site linked to the display board on Shotley Pier! This has been made possible by a grant from the Coasts & Heaths Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) Community & Conservation Fund, awarded in 2022. Shotley Pier is ideally placed to observe both native and migratory birds who flock to the estuary and tidal margins of this special region. The AONB is active in protecting species such on the Red list and this site is designed to help the public observe and learn more about this very special region. The information panel is a small introduction to some of the birds that can be seen from the pier throughout the year. Please feel free to follow up your interests with either the AONB, the Shotley Pier Group or simply record your sightings on the chalk board on the Pier. Artwork by : Peta Hillier Contacts at : https://www.suffolkcoastandheaths.org/ www.shotleypier.co.uk SHORELINE BIRDS BRENT GOOSE: A small dark goose with a black head, rear end white. Large flocks between October and February from their Artic breeding grounds. Feeds on estuaries and mudflats, sometimes arable grassland. Often take to the air when disturbed. UK conservation status: Amber OYSTERCATCHER: Striking black and white plumage, red eye and an orange bill. Common on shorelines with molluscs such as cockles, mussels, and marine worms. Migrate from northern areas and breed in shallow scrapes in the open. UK conservation status: Amber CURLEW: A large wading bird with a long downward bill with a distinctive sound. Winter habitat of upland moors and in summer on seashores for worms and molluscs. UK conservation status: Amber BLACK HEADED GULL: One of the most common European gulls able to live in most habitats. An opportunistic feeder but marine invertebrates and molluscs are favoured on the shoreline. Adults have a distinctive dark head in summer with a white plumage. UK Conservation status: Amber CORMORANT: A large, hooked bill and a dark appearance, Cormorants are often seen diving under water then perched on posts with wings stretched out to dry them off. Cormorants live around sheltered coasts and eat flatfish and eels. UK Conservation status: Green REDSHANK: Found in estuaries and shores in the winter and coastal marshes in the summer this wading bird has red legs and bill with a grey, brown plumage and pure white underside. Feeds on marine invertebrates and insect larvae. UK conservation status: Amber…