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Least tern chicks on a Georgia beach. Photo provided by GADNR
Beach-bound this summer? Keep an eye out for birds. Georgia’s beaches are not only vacation destinations, they’re top spots for nesting shorebirds and seabirds and for migrating species feeding on flights to the Arctic. American oystercatchers, Wilson’s plovers and least terns use sites such as Little Tybee Island, St. Catherines Island bar, Cumberland Island and Jekyll Island's southern end. Among other species, black skimmers, royal and sandwich terns, brown pelicans, and gull-billed terns also nest on Georgia beaches and sandbars.
When these birds are nesting, human disturbance poses a significant threat. Shorebirds and seabirds also face risks from predators and high tides. Pets can be destructive, too, killing or scaring birds. How can you help? • Avoid posted sites. (Eggs and chicks are camouflaged and easy to overlook.) • Walk below the high-tide line. • Back away from any nesting birds you accidentally disturb. Adults frightened Wilson plover chick. from a nest will often call loudly, exhibit Photo by Tim Keyes, GADNR distraction displays – such as dragging a wing – to draw predators away and even dive-bomb intruders. • Enjoy beach birds, but from a distance. • Leave dogs at home or, if visiting a beach where they are allowed, on a leash.
Sea Turtle Season Update
CIRCA 1870
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Sea turtles are still nesting on our coastal beaches. At print time, there are 1,736 nests on Georgia shores. Cumberland Island leads the way with 456 nests, followed by Ossabaw Island with 268. There have been 1,381 false crawls and 25 nests lost (storms/tides or predators). There are an estimated 50,930 eggs to date. Most of the nests were laid by loggerheads, with two greens, one Kemp's Ridley, and two of unknown origin. Loggerhead sea turtle. Beach goers are reminded to Photo by Mark Dodd, GADNR observe all turtle safety protocols, to include no lights on or near the beach and not disturbing turtles as they leave and enter the water. To follow nesting season data, visit: www.seaturtle.org/nestdb/?view=3
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Southern Tides Magazine
July 2021