Mass Audubon: What Nantucketers Need to Know about Protecting Shorebirds

To: Bluedot Living

From: Mass Audubon

Subject: What Nantucketers Need to Know about Protecting Shorebirds

Summer is here, and with it, those beautiful beach days we’ve been looking forward to all winter! While we’re cruising down the shoreline or relaxing in the sun, we need to remember that we’re not the only ones out there. We share the beach with lots of other critters, and we must be mindful of them as we enjoy the place they call home.

Have you ever spotted the little peeping shorebirds that run along the water’s edge, foraging for food in the sand? If you haven’t, don’t fret — it’s because they camouflage almost perfectly with the sand and can be very difficult to spot. Piping Plovers are a key species to be aware of when roaming the beaches on Nantucket, as they are listed as threatened under the guidelines of the Endangered Species Act. These birds, among others, rely on coastal habitat for their nesting grounds, so it’s up to us to make sure they have safe access to those vital areas and can continue to reproduce.

Mass Audubon, through its Coastal Waterbird Program, along with other Island conservation partners, monitors and protects birds and their habitats. You may see us on the beach with our binoculars, scanning for signs of these elusive birds, maintaining fencing, collecting data, and watching them live, breed, and raise their young among the throngs of Island beachgoers.  Help us help them survive.

Here are some things to keep in mind when visiting the beach

• Always keep dogs on a leash. Even good dogs scare the birds and could accidentally destroy a nest.
• Drive slowly. If you have an oversand vehicle, drive with care and be watchful of wildlife. Although we protect areas where nests are found, the birds will roam outside the fencing and could be anywhere. They especially like tire ruts and will hunker down thinking they are safe and unseen.
• Don’t fly kites in shorebird areas. They look like predators to the small birds on shore, and can strike or entangle them, causing injury and even death.
• Do not approach the birds. Yes, they’re really cute, but keep your distance. A Piping Plover chick is vulnerable to stress and any energy wasted in those early stages of life could be detrimental to their growth and survival.
• Pay attention to all fencing and posted signs. They are there to protect not only the shorebirds, but you. Violation of the Endangered Species Act could result in hefty fines. Remember that the birds will walk or fly outside of fencing, so be observant outside of fencing also.

Climate change, habitat loss, and coastal development pose serious threats to many already vulnerable species. Mass Audubon works to protect nearly half of the entire state’s populations of Piping Plovers and Least Terns through monitoring, education, habitat protection, and advocacy. With these efforts, since they were first declared endangered in 1986, Piping Plovers have increased from 135 pairs to more than 800 pairs in 2020!

Exciting as this increase may be, our work is not over yet. Continue to enjoy the outdoors with a mindful attitude and respect for the wildlife with which we share it. Let’s work together to protect this beautiful island. See you on the beach!