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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