As South Carolina’s beaches fill with visitors for Memorial Day weekend, Audubon South Carolina is reminding residents and visitors alike that the summer season is also a critical time for the state’s beach-nesting birds.
Species like Least Terns, Wilson’s Plovers, and American Oystercatchers are currently nesting directly on the sand across the South Carolina coast, where eggs and chicks can be vulnerable to disturbance from people and pets. Many nests are naturally camouflaged and difficult to spot, making it important for beachgoers to stay alert and respect posted nesting areas.
“South Carolina’s beaches are special because they support both people and wildlife,” said Abby Burke, senior coastal coordinator at Audubon South Carolina. “Simple actions like keeping dogs leashed, giving birds space, and avoiding posted nesting areas can make a real difference during nesting season.”
Audubon South Carolina’s Coastal Stewardship Program is now active at more sites than ever before, with volunteers and partners helping monitor nesting areas and engage beachgoers up and down the coast. The program expanded significantly in recent years as pressures on shorebirds continue to grow.
Shorebirds are among the fastest declining groups of birds in North America, with habitat loss, climate change, and human disturbance contributing to population declines. Because many species nest directly on open beaches, even brief disturbances can cause adult birds to leave nests exposed to heat, predators, or flooding.
Audubon encourages beachgoers to help protect nesting birds this summer by:
- Respecting posted nesting areas and fencing
- Keeping dogs leashed and away from birds
- Giving resting and nesting birds plenty of space
- Avoiding sudden movements that may flush birds from nests
- Disposing of trash properly to avoid attracting predators
Learn more about Audubon South Carolina’s coastal stewardship work at www.audubon.org/south-carolina
Audubon South Carolina protects birds and the places they need using science, advocacy, education, and on-the-ground conservation. These sanctuaries not only provide critical habitat for birds and wildlife but also provide public access to greenspace, inclusive educational programming, and important ecosystem services for nearby communities. For more information on the working happening at Beidler Forest, follow us on Facebook at @BeidlerForest and Instagram at @beidlerforest.”