Nesting season is in full swing from May through August and many of your favorite birds will rely on you to share the beach this summer.

This is a crucial time for beach-nesting birds like the American Oystercatcher and Black Skimmer. By taking small simple actions to help protect their nesting habitat, you can help them raise the next generation.

Want to help birds thrive all summer long? Just follow these simple steps next time you plan a day at the beach.

Audubon’s Tips to Share the Beach

• Respect protected areas and signs. Birds, eggs, nests and chicks are well-camouflaged and disturbance by people and their pets can cause birds to abandon their eggs and young.
• Avoid disturbing groups of birds that are nesting or feeding. If birds take flight, call loudly or act agitated it means you are too close.
• Always keep your dog on a leash and away from the birds. Shorebirds perceive people and pets as predators.
• Please don’t leave trash or fishing line on the beach. Take your trash with you and place in an appropriate trash container. Trash attracts real predators such as gulls, crows, raccoons and foxes. Fishing line entangles and kills birds.

Trouble Dates for Birds

Holiday weekends bring even more people to the coast, and you can do your part to remind everyone you know to share the beach.

• Memorial Day Weekend
• Fourth of July Weekend
• Labor Day

Share this post to remind your friends and family to help protect nesting shorebirds.

For more information on Audubon North Carolina’s Share the Beach initiative, visit our website.