Coasts

Resources to Protect Shore-Nesting Birds

Together, we can #ShareTheShore to help birds nest and raise their young successfully.
Least Terns. Photo: Ethan Slattery/Audubon Photography Awards
Least Terns. Photo: Ethan Slattery/Audubon Photography Awards
Coasts

Resources to Protect Shore-Nesting Birds

Together, we can #ShareTheShore to help birds nest and raise their young successfully.

In spring and summer, our Connecticut beaches and islands become a nursery for federally and state-protected birds like the Piping Plover, Least Tern, and American Oystercatcher.

These birds rely on us to “Share the Shore,” because our beach season is their nesting season. Every MayAugust, they hatch chicks that weigh less than a single scoop of ice cream!

Step One: Take the Be a Good Egg Pledge.

Tiny chicks face big obstacles, and one of the biggest is a lack of awareness.

People may not know, for instance, that walking too close to nesting sites (which are usually sectioned off with string fencing) can cause adults to abandon their nests. Or that even small, well-trained dogs can crush fragile eggs or scare off parents. By taking the Pledge, you're helping us understand how many people know how to #sharetheshore!

Step Two: Share the love.

One of the best ways to help is to volunteer in-person to monitor and survey nesting birds.

You can also share our messaging! We developed the Share the Love, Share the Shore campaign to help you spread the word. 

Step Three: Read and share our resources below!

How to Know If a Shorebird Is Being Disturbed
Coasts

How to Know If a Shorebird Is Being Disturbed

Learn the signs of bird disturbance and what you can do to help beach-nesting birds.

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Share the Shore "Take Action Toolkit" for Local Communities
Coasts

Share the Shore "Take Action Toolkit" for Local Communities

Launch award-worthy programs and projects for birds and people.

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Dogs on Beaches: Know Before You Go
Coasts

Dogs on Beaches: Know Before You Go

To keep our beaches safe for shorebirds, we ask dog-walkers to visit alternative recreational spaces during the nesting season. Read on to find a dog park near you!

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How to "Be a Good Egg" at the Beach
Coasts

How to "Be a Good Egg" at the Beach

Make a difference and save a life by following a few simple steps

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8 Ways to Help Piping Plovers
Conservation

8 Ways to Help Piping Plovers

The protection of this threatened species starts with you

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Sharing the Waterways: A Guide to Boating with Birds
Coasts

Sharing the Waterways: A Guide to Boating with Birds

Connecticut’s offshore islands provide critical nesting habitat for an array of birds. Here's how to avoid disturbing them.

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How to Practice Safe, Ethical Shorebird Photography
Nature Notes

How to Practice Safe, Ethical Shorebird Photography

Every photographer longs for that "perfect shot," but at what risk? Here are some best-practices to avoid endangering vulnerable birds.

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Flying Drones Pose Danger to Threatened Birds
Coasts

Flying Drones Pose Danger to Threatened Birds

Not only do beach-nesting birds experience undue stress at the sight of a drone, they can also become seriously injured.

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How you can help, right now