Plea to protect nesting birds on northern coast

The Ayres is the only nesting site for terns in the Isle of Man

Police have called for walkers to be mindful of nesting birds on the northern coast of the Isle of Man.

Arctic terns, oystercatchers and ringed plovers have already begun settling at the Point of Ayre, an area popular with dog walkers.

Fencing has been put up to protect the species and pet owners must keep their animals on leads until the end of August.

While terns normally arrive from mid-May, a number of ringed plovers have already set up camp.

'Fear and aggression'

A police spokesman said: "If you walk too close to a nesting area you are likely to be attacked by parent birds demonstrating fear and aggression to your presence."

Chicks could often move away from the fenced areas and eggs could be "overlooked and trampled", he said.

"If arctic terns attack, you are too close", he added.

Wild birds are protected under the island's Wildlife Act and those who recklessly disturb them can face prosecution.