Avocets are famous as the RSPB's emblem and are a remarkable conservation story. They came back from the brink of extinction in Britain in the mid-19th century, and recolonised the beaches of East Anglia that were closed during the war. Avocets are elegant wading birds with long upturned beaks that sift invertebrates from the water. Their black and white plumage is not their only striking feature, they also have long blue legs that dangle well behind the tail during flight. The young are quick off the mark after hatching, running and feeding within hours - handy when your nest is just a scrape in the mud.

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