RARE avocets nesting at the RSPB's Leighton Moss reserve near Carnforth fell victim to the gales of last weekend.
High tides, combined with strong wind, resulted in sea water surging onto the salt-marsh pools, destroying the nests of not just the avocets but lapwings, redshanks, ringed plovers and other waders.
The black and white avocets, which bred at the reserve last year, returned to Leighton Moss in April accompanied by their young bird and another pair of adults.
Reserve staff are now hoping they settle down to nest for a second time.
If they do, a round-the-clock surveillance scheme will be mounted to protect their eggs.
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