Marbled godwit are rare on the U.S. Atlantic coast but South Carolina has the largest population of these large stunningly beautiful
shorebirds during their non-breeding season from August through April.
populations, on the ground management action means
influencing conditions created by water, sediment, vegetation,
and frequently, the impacts of human disturbance. Changing
human behavior can be very difficult and is the most complex
aspect of managing for shorebirds.
State agencies need public support to help maintain
the habitats, and as a result, the wildlife that depend upon
them. Some management decisions can be unpopular, such
as regulating where dogs can and cannot go, or closing off
critical roosting or nesting areas to public access. We need to embrace the periodic inconveniences of management
activity in order to maintain the wildlife that makes the South
Carolina and Georgia coasts so incredible.
To keep the whimbrel migrating in large numbers into
the marshes of the South Carolina lowcountry, we need to
work together to ensure that first we understand the habitat
requirements of shorebirds, and then work with private and
state authorities to maintain the conditions needed to support
the birds. The more we learn about long-distance migrant
shorebirds, the more magical they will remain. NK
Not to be confused with the more common black-bellied
plover, this adult American golden plover can be seen
periodically in coastal South Carolina, or more commonly on
open agriculture fields or sod farms. Managing for the habitat
needs of shorebirds that prefer grasslands and freshwater sites
can be very different than actions for coastal species. South Carolina nesting oystercatchers benefit from
management activity that shelters them from disturbance
and allows eggs to hatch. Young oystercatchers need a month
or more to grow before being able to fly from danger, such as
dogs on the beach.
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