Our beaches are home to shorebirds like plovers and sandpipers, and to seabirds such as gulls, terns, and skimmers. Some species nest here in the spring and summer while others winter here or migrate through in the spring and fall.
Ruddy Turnstone |
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Least Sandpiper |
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Sanderling |
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Red Knot( Threatened)
Willet
Piping plovers roost in wrack near other shorebirds around high tide and feed during the rest of the tide cycle.
The Piping Plover ' s Journey
The Piping Plover is federally protected and listed as a threatened species. They nest in the northern U. S. and Canada mid-March to mid- August and winter in the Gulf and southeastern U. S., Caribbean, and Mexico mid- July to mid-May. Many birds are banded, which helps scientists assess the status of the populations.
Black-bellied Plover
Piping Plover( Threatened)
Food for Our Birds
Dunlin
Invertebrates living in wrack and wave-washed sands provide food for Piping Plovers and other shorebirds. |
Insects |
Mole crabs |
Beach-hoppers
Polychaetes
Mollusks
Nesting Shorebirds and Sea Turtles
Northern Great Plains Population
Great Lakes Population( Endangered)
Atlantic Coast Population
Wintering Range( all populations)
Let Birds Feed and Rest
Resting and feeding are key to the survival of migratory and wintering birds on our beaches. Give them plenty of space. If birds run or fly, you are too close.
Respect Posted Areas
Keep out of posted areas. Disturbances to nesting birds can cause nests or entire colonies to fail.
Always Keep Dogs Leashed
Be a bird friendly dog owner. Keep your dog on a leash when you see flocks of birds on the beach. Never allow your dog( s) to chase birds.
Help Protect Our Beach-dependent Wildlife
• Share the word. Human disturbance is one of the top threats to nesting, migrating, and wintering shorebirds
• Don’ t feed gulls and other wildlife
• Protect dune vegetation. Dune plants build and stabilize the beach, and provide food and cover for wildlife
• Dispose of trash and dog waste properly
Wilson’ s Plover with eggs and chick
Some species of shorebirds and seabirds nest on our beaches March to August. Watch out for nests and chicks, which may be difficult to see and outside of posted areas.
Loggerhead sea turtle track, egg laying, and nest covering
Loggerhead sea turtles are federally protected as a Threatened species. South Carolina’ s loggerheads nest on beaches from May through August, and hatchlings emerge July through October. Turtles and nests must not be disturbed. Keep all lights visible from the beach off from dusk until dawn during sea turtle season.
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