Unusual baskets on the Baltic Sea. These are not gadgets for beachgoers

The days are getting warmer, and with time more and more tourists will come to the Baltic Sea. It turns out that someone much smaller may be sunbathing next to them. That is why we will notice wire baskets by the sea.

The WWF Polska biodiversity conservation organization reminds us that this is a shelter for the ringed plover, a strictly protected species. Disturbing or entering its nesting area is a violation of the law.

What are the wire baskets for on the Baltic Sea?

"The wire structure in the photo is a basket that protects the eggs of these small seabirds from predators (including ravens, foxes, weasels), dogs and... accidental trampling. The size of the mesh allows adult plovers and chicks to pass freely, but not predators. The basket is additionally dug into the sand to make it more difficult for intruders to dig their way into the nest," WWF explains in its post.

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Around such a basket structure, volunteers from the WWF Blue Patrol put up a fence made of string and sticks, as well as information boards. Such a fence is a shelter for the "beaching" chicks. It is their first yard, hideout and playground in one.

The baskets fulfill their function, but only if no one moves or rearranges them. The WWF's appeals are not exaggerated. Recently, one of the nesting sites was destroyed by a passing motocross motorcycle. Last year, tourists used these baskets as towel racks.

Ringed Plover at the Seaside

The ringed plover is a medium-sized migratory bird that builds nests near water. The eggs are incubated by both parents. It is a strongly territorial species. The pair defends the chosen nesting site, then the nest itself, and after the chicks hatch – the place where they are currently located. The entire population of this species in Poland does not exceed 250-300 pairs (data from 2015).

Read also: Important information for tourists. "Do you see something like this? Keep your distance" Read also: One bird, and so much happiness. This is the first such breeding in this Polish forest