We are excited to announce that several of our SIB members have detected both the Least Terns & Wilson’s Plovers have successfully nested this year on North Beach.
Aija Konrad wrote, “Yesterday (Friday June 15, 2018), was a very exciting day on our beach….Ed and I found both Least Tern and Wilson’s Plover chicks! We saw 3 baby plovers with parents and we saw about 3 Least Tern chicks in various stages of maturity. Some of the terns even buzzed our heads, warning us we were too close. We were very careful not to go anywhere near the new residents, staying below the high tide line. Least Tern and Wilson’s Plover are SC threatened species. This is the first time Ed and I have seen chicks on our beach in the 10 years that we have been birding here. Hooray!!!
“We have come a long way here on Seabrook to promote awareness and safeguard our shorebirds. We have a protected beach area for the birds, Two beach patrol trucks now give warnings and are authorized to give citations as needed for dog violations, and even “people” violations for going into the nesting areas. We have strong partnerships with SC DNR, USF&W, and SC Audubon, all fully aware and appreciative of our initiatives. The Town of Seabrook and SIPOA are in full support. Today Ed took 1,200 of his brochures to 5 rental companies to insert in their Seabrook packets. Every one of the companies was very receptive and happy to include the brochures and support us.
“And most importantly, we have successful nesting, and are being proactive to protect our threatened/endangered Red Knot and Piping Plover that use our beach for migration and wintering. A great day at our beautiful beach! “
Remember: Our beaches are home for resident (including nesting) and migratory shorebirds. Among them are endangered and threatened species such as Least Terns, Wilson’s Plovers, Piping Plovers and Red Knots. These birds do not read signs as far as we know, and thus may gather and feed outside protected habitat areas. Bird watching is great, but they need space. If they fly up, you are too close.
The brochure “Respect Seabrook Island Shorebirds and Habitat” is a recent joint venture of SIB, SIPOA, Town, SC DNR, and USFWS and is an excellent guide for those residents and visitors enjoying our beaches. Pick up a copy at the Lake House, Amenity Office, or SIPOA and Town offices.
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Great news!
I’m helping the dolphin research project but I can’t get out to the cut just now. Is there an SIB sign at the nesting grounds telling people to stay below the tide line? Such a sign would be a great help to the dolphin project since it would alert people to wildlife in general and make our job a little more effective in keeping people from crowding the dolphins. My guess is there will be more traffic out there this summer from dolphin watchers so an SIB sign might be extra necessary.
Andy
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Andy – thanks for your comment! Each season, SC-DNR posts official signs in the areas they think the Least Tern and Wilson’s Plovers will nest, but of course the birds can’t read so they often stray beyond the signs. There is a general beach rule to always stay “below the high tide rack line.” We fear this is either often not understood or ignored. Our group will discuss other signage to consider to help communicate the importance of the protected habitat areas and work with the town and/or SIPOA if any additional signage is recommended. Nancy
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