As a shorebird biologist, I watch shorebirds and seabirds navigate a remarkable and increasingly complicated set of challenges each nesting season. Many of the challenges that shorebirds face are predictable, and they have evolved an impressive suite of behaviors that enable them to respond to predators, storms, tides, and other hazards inherent to life on the coast. These adaptations have allowed shorebirds and seabirds to persist in an environment where survival is anything but guaranteed.
The landscape is changing, and the pressures created by human development are adding new challenges to an already demanding environment
Abby McKay
Suitable nesting habitat is increasingly limited and fragmented, and birds now encounter dogs, vehicles, recreation, urban predators, and development alongside the natural threats they have evolved to withstand. As a result, I watch shorebirds raise their families on busy public beaches, in front of homes and hotels, and even on gravel rooftops high above the ground.
Fortunately, many of these human-caused challenges are within our control. Successful fledging relies on a much broader network of people working around shorebird parents. This season, I saw the village that comes together when it’s time to raise a shorebird chick.
The Birds
Least Terns relentlessly defend their colonies against intruders, Black Skimmers tirelessly shuttle food to hungry chicks, American Oystercatchers help chicks practice opening bivalves, and Wilson’s Plovers scurry miles in a day foraging with their chicks. These birds are remarkably capable parents, but our actions impact their success.
The Biologist
The biologist watches from a distance, recording behaviors and vocalizations that indicate whether a bird pair has laid eggs, is feeding chicks, or is responding to a threat. Monitoring provides the information needed to identify problems and make decisions to give the birds the best chance of success. Biologists organize volunteers, coordinate with partners, educate communities, manage and analyze data, and turn field observations into the information and resources needed to guide conservation efforts
The Volunteer
The volunteer extends that watch far beyond what a small staff can accomplish, reporting new nests, collecting observations, watching for stray chicks, and alerting biologists when something doesn’t look right. They take photos of chicks to help biologists track their development, resight banded birds, and educate passersby.
The Park Ranger
The park ranger makes room for wildlife in places that are also managed for people. She advocates for decisions that can improve habitat for shorebirds and make nesting areas safer. She can turn a posted sign into a meaningful conversation about conservation.
The Property Manager
The property manager lets guests know how they can play a role in conservation during their stay. He stocks “Be a Beach Hero!” brochures in the lobby and facilitates nesting protection to ensure the birds are successful on their first try.
The Homeowner
The homeowner becomes a conservation partner when Least Terns unexpectedly nest in their neighborhood. They give the birds space, keep pets away, and recruit neighbors to do the same. They soon find themselves counting chicks while they drink their morning coffee.
The Contractor
The contractor accidentally encounters an American Oystercatcher nest on a roof. He calls biologists for help before proceeding and becomes enamored with the birds. He delays any nonessential work to give the birds the best chance of success and is excited to watch the little oystercatchers take their first flight.
The Wildlife Officer
The wildlife officer provides another layer of protection for the birds. They offer regulatory guidance, technical expertise, and enforcement support when necessary. Officers spend holidays on duty at large nesting colonies, and state management staff mitigate threats and support field staff.
The Supporter
The supporter provides the resources that make conservation possible, from funding field monitoring and equipment to supporting outreach, education, or habitat protection. Whether through a donation, legislation, research partnership, or community support, these contributions provide conservation programs with the tools needed to protect nesting birds throughout the season.
Beachgoers
Beachgoers may have the most impactful role of all, as they notice birds and give them space. They keep their dog leashed and away from birds on the beach. They read posted signs and make informed choices to help protect imperiled birds.
Successful nesting depends on more than the birds themselves. As our coast continues to change, the spaces we share with birds become increasingly important. Alternative habitats can provide opportunities for birds, but they are not replacements for healthy beaches, shell rakes, and mud flats. At the end of the nesting season, I am left in awe of how resilient these birds are and how many people are willing to become part of their story. When birds and people share the same landscape, it takes a village to raise a shorebird chick.
