Sea and Shorebird’s Nesting Strategies, Why the Beach is the Best Place

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The extreme environmental nesting conditions that shorebirds face seem less than ideal for sea and shorebird species raising their families — like the Black Skimmer, Least Tern, and Wilson’s Plover. Compared to other avian species, such as the songbirds and raptors that usually make nests using sticks to create shelters, shorebirds’ nests look simple and vulnerable to most observers. Just a shallow scrape in the sand! Yet, regardless of their vulnerable appearance, their nests have successfully fledged chicks here for thousands of generations. So, why do these birds choose to nest in such an unforgiving landscape, with their nests so vulnerable, when many other bird species have developed other seemingly more protective nesting styles?

Great question!

Sea and shorebirds often nest on busy beaches. Their fledged chick success heavily depends on stopping human-made disturbances and predators that could impact the success rate of fledging chicks. If it is almost impossible for shorebirds to have successful nests without human intervention, why do they continue to nest there?

A big part is the environment itself.

–  The beach is a wide-open landscape with sparse vegetation, and this lack of obstructions makes birds more aware of their predators and allows for easy evasion if needed.

– The landscape is also ideal for colonial species, allowing for nesting in large numbers and adds an extra level of protection for vulnerable eggs and chicks.

– The texture of the sand aids camouflage, as eggs blend in well with the substrate.

– The shoreline provides many food resources for maturing chicks.

We must factor in that the beach was a much different place just a few hundred years ago, when the ancestors of the bird species we know that nest there have existed much longer than that. Where previously Florida’s beaches provided hundreds of miles of ideal habitat, that land is now occupied by heavy foot traffic, boat traffic, and beachside homes and businesses. Threats such as crows and coyotes, which are most shorebirds’ biggest predators, were also not as prevalent.

The sea and shorebirds of today face many more challenges than their ancestors did, such as disturbance from people, pets, vehicles, and increased predator pressure, which can lead to nest abandonment and chick endangerment. People can help eliminate the risk of nest abandonment and chick endangerment by not chasing birds, picking up food waste and trash to prevent crows, and leashing their dogs around nesting sites. That’s why Audubon Florida works with partners and volunteers to post nesting areas, educate beachgoers, and monitor colonies during nesting season to help assist these species so we can see more successful fledged chicks from these shorebird species!