In accordance with an old tradition in Friesland, the hunt for the first plover’s egg of the year has been on. The first egg was found yesterday morning in Britsum by Hidde Dijkstra who immediately sent a text message announcing his find, which was being presented to the Queen´s Commissioner for Friesland yesterday afternoon. The finder will receive a 15 euro award and a silver model of the egg.

In Friesland, the first plover´s egg is symbolic of the beginning of spring. Collecting plovers´eggs is banned in the EU, but Friesland is exempted for cultural and historical reasons. Locals are allowed to take the eggs between 1 March and 9 April. Supporters of the tradition maintain that this is not harmful to the plover population as the birds are capable of producing others. Last year, 5939 eggs were taken, 500 fewer than last year.
 

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