#ShareTheShore Digital Toolkit

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Urgent Call for Help! #ShareTheShore COVID-19 Update: Least Terns, Black Skimmers, American Oystercatchers and other vulnerable shorebirds have always practiced social distancing – from people and pets, that is. Despite restrictions in place because of Covid-19, these birds still face threats from humans and pets on our beaches. Due to current restrictions, stewardship and monitoring activities are slowed, limited, or on hold (depending on the site). Please remember to obey all posted signs and to keep your distance from nesting birds. Their survival depends on it!

Even if they stay within protected areas, birds are easily scared off their nests and away from chicks by humans and dogs who get too close. WE NEED YOUR HELP MORE THAN EVER to spread the word to #ShareTheShore!

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SHARE THE LOVE, #SHARETHESHORE

Depending on how “birdy” your feed is on social media, you may have come across the hashtag #ShareTheShore.

#ShareTheShore is Audubon's effort to protect nesting shorebirds like Least Terns and American Oystercatchers, and their teeny, tiny chicks.

It’s our way of uniting our voices as scientists, bird-lovers, and beachgoers who are dedicated to reducing the threats posed to vulnerable beach-nesting birds.

Birds' survival depends on our actions, on the beach and off. If we want to enjoy their fun, fuzzy presence in the future, we have to educate our friends and family today.

LETTER TO THE EDITOR TEMPLATES

If you would like to "level up" your efforts and go beyond sharing the love on social media—send it to your local newspaper in the form of a letter to the editor!

Click here to see sample letters that you can use as a template to get started. NOTE: keep in mind, most media outlets prefer letters to be 200-300 words max. Check their website before you write!

MESSAGES TO SHARE

Great for photographers, educators, local community members, beach-based staff, beach-based businesses!

Social distancing is a new concept for humans, but it’s ALWAYS been important for nesting shorebirds! Tiny chicks and parents perceive people as predators, so frightening these birds threatens their survival. Share the Love, #ShareTheShore https://nc.audubon.org/sharing-our-seas-shores-1
Here's a photo of a loving Least Tern family! They need space to successfully raise chicks on our beaches. These birds were in a roped-off nesting area on a public beach, and I photographed them with a long lens from outside the border. They don't ask for much from us... just room to raise a family. Share the Love, #ShareTheShore
How do you know you've scared a nesting shorebird, seabird, or flock by getting too close? If they fly away. If they do weird things with their wings, making them look broken, to distract you away from their nest. If they poop on you. If they "call" (make an alarm sound). These birds need space to thrive! Let 'em nest, let 'em rest. Share the Love, #ShareTheShore https://act.audubon.org/onlineactions/h5aSXfMZDEC2POq8aswNYg2

We’re not the only ones who need to #shelterinplace this spring. Beach nesting birds like Least Terns are easily scared off their nests and away from chicks by humans and dogs who get too close. Teeny, tiny chicks depend on their parents' constant presence to help regulate their body temperature and keep them safe! Please, now and always, maintain your distance from shorebirds. Share the Love, #ShareTheShore
Remember to mind your pet! Even small, well-behaved dogs can scare beach-nesting birds and migrating shorebirds. Pet owners, help set the example for how to "Share the Love, #ShareTheShore"

LINKS TO SHARE

"Be a Good Egg" pledge:

https://act.audubon.org/onlineactions/h5aSXfMZDEC2POq8aswNYg2

eNews signup:

https://act.audubon.org/onlineactions/vo2HXTZFY0WekGy2dZdgAw2

Click here to make a donation in support of Audubon North Carolina's work protecting birds and the places they need:

https://nc.audubon.org/donate