Liam O’Donnell's Image

Liam O’Donnell (Ireland) notices this pair of black-tailed godwits engaging in a territorial dispute.

Liam had spent several hours lying on his stomach, holding his camera and lens above the mud.

He was photographing various waders and wildfowl feeding along the mudflats when he noticed this pair of fighting males.

Disputes over territory between black-tailed godwits can be violent affairs.

These shorebirds are common winter visitors to Ireland’s Broadmeadow River estuary, migrating from breeding grounds in Iceland.

How you can help

• Protect wetlands. Godwits are declining because wetland areas are being drained to make them more suitable for farming. You can help by supporting initiatives to protect and enhance wetland areas, such as these wetland projects in the UK.
• Help fight climate change. Climate change is transforming wetland areas and threatening species like godwits. For example, droughts and rising sea levels are disrupting the balance of saltwater and freshwater in estuaries, which puts species at risk. See steps you can take to help the planet.
• Keep estuaries clean. Dispose of oils, detergents and other pollutants safely instead of putting them down your sink or drain. Avoid flushing wet wipes down the toilet, as these are harmful to river life.