CZ Tip of the Month for June 2004
Wading at the Beach? Observe Nesting Shorebirds!

Are you anxious to spend time at the beach? If the water is too cold for swimming, June is a great time to observe nesting shorebirds while relaxing in the sun and waiting for ocean temperatures to rise. Most shorebird nests lay on top of the sand, and are found near the water above the high tide line, on sand flats and foredunes, in between or behind coastal dunes, and in washover areas. On Massachusetts beaches, nesting lasts from 6 to 8 weeks, beginning in mid-April through late July. After hatching, shorebirds linger on coastal beaches so chicks can learn to forage (often in the intertidal zone) and fly. Several species of shorebirds are listed as Endangered or Threatened under the U.S. Endangered Species Act (ESA) and the Massachusetts ESA, which also designates Species of Special Concern--species in danger of becoming Threatened, species that have not fully recovered from a past decline, or species that are of an essential ecological position that any decline could adversely affect other species. Beachgoers can help to safeguard shorebird numbers by knowing where they nest and how to avoid disrupting mating season success. The following information describes Threatened Shorebirds in Massachusetts, What Beachgoers Can Do, What Beach Drivers Can Do, Shorebird Monitoring & Protection, Birdwatching at the Shore, and Birding Clubs and Other Web Resources.

Threatened Shorebirds in Massachusetts
Five species of shorebirds are considered threatened in Massachusetts--the Roseate Tern, Common Tern, Arctic Tern, Least Tern, and Piping Plover.

Roseate Tern
Sterna dougallii, an Endangered species under both federal and Massachusetts ESAs, prefers to nest in mixed colonies with Common and Arctic terns on Massachusetts offshore islands and barrier beaches. In recent years, competition from sea gulls has forced the mixed flocks to nest inshore. While the Roseate competes with the other terns for food (small fish) and nesting sites, they benefit from aggressive colony/site defense behavior. All three tern species are medium-sized. The Roseate has a light gray back and wings, long outer tail feathers, and at the beginning of the breeding season, a black bill, which becomes pink at the base as the season progresses. Medium-sized tern species tend to hide their nests under shallow protective cover. Chicks fledge between 25 and 28 days, and within a week, leave the nest site to find their own hiding spots. They may leave the colony with their parents a few days later.

• The U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service (USFWS) species profile contains detailed information on the Roseate Tern's federal stutus.
• For the Commonwealth of Massachusetts Natural Heritage & Endangered Species Program (NHESP) Roseate Tern fact sheet, click here.
• For U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) identification tips and other information, click here.
• The USGS Roseate Tern fact sheet discusses United States populations.
• Click here for Roseate Tern pictures and sounds.
• To learn about the progress of the Endangered Roseate in coastal parks, read the National Parks Conservation Association Magazine article, "Returning Roseates."

Common Tern
Sterna hirundo is a Species of Special Concern in Massachusetts. Both the Common Tern and Arctic Tern, discussed below, are similar in size to the Roseate Tern and also exhibit similar nesting characteristics. During mating season the Common Tern has an all-red bill and lighter underparts.

• For the Commonwealth of Massachusetts NHESP Common Tern fact sheet, click here.
• Click here for Common Tern pictures and sounds.
• For USGS identification tips and other information, click here.

Arctic Tern
Sterna paradisaea, also a Species of Special Concern, is similar to the Common Tern, though exhibits a shorter bill and legs, and longer tail. During mating the Arctic Tern also has an all-red bill, but underparts are darker grey.

• For the Commonwealth of Massachusetts NHESP Arctic Tern fact sheet, click here.
• Click here for Arctic Tern pictures and sounds.
• For USGS identification tips and other information, click here.

Least Tern
Sterna antillarum, a Massachusetts Species of Special Concern, ranges from southern Maine to Florida. These terns nest in the same habitat as Piping Plovers and are often found near them. They are small black and white seabirds that crouch in the sand and along vehicle ruts, which makes them particularly vulnerable to off road vehicles. Juveniles fledge in 22 days, after which they gather in pre-migratory flocks.

• For the Commonwealth of Massachusetts NHESP Least Tern fact sheet, click here.
• To learn about Least Tern migration patterns and breeding behavior, read The Birds of North America web excerpt.
• Click here for a picture of Least Tern juveniles.
• For USGS identification tips and other information, click here.
• The Nantucket Conservation Foundation's Piping Plovers and Least Terns web page discusses "A Year in the Life of a Tern."

Piping Plover
Charadrius melodus, designated as Threatened under both federal and Massachusetts ESAs, is a small, sand-colored bird that nests on coastal beaches from South Carolina north to Newfoundland. Its color and habit of running, then stopping short and standing still, are efficient camouflage. Though normally a protection, plovers may be invisible to beachgoers and beach drviers who may accidentally crush birds and eggs or force nests and chicks to be abandoned. Male Piping Plovers establish their territories and court females, and pairs will re-nest until producing a successful brood. Chicks move around their nests within hours of hatching, and fledge after 30 days. Piping Plovers feed on marine worms, crustaceans, and insects.

• The USFWS Piping Plover Atlantic Coast Population website has links to recreational management guidelines, information on how to report sightings, and references.
• For the Commonwealth of Massachusetts NHESP Piping Plover fact sheet, click here.
• The USFWS Piping Plover species profile contains detailed information on its federal status.
• Click here for Piping Plover pictures and sounds.
• For information about habitat in the United States, go to the USFWS Piping Plover species spotlight page.
• For the Massachusetts 2001 Piping Plover status report, click here.
• The USFWS revised species recovery plan offers in depth information on the Atlantic Coast population.
• The Nantucket Conservation Foundation's Piping Plovers and Least Terns web page discusses "A Year in the Life of a Piping Plover."
• Are you a Piping Plover expert? Test your knowledge by taking this Piping Plover quiz.

What Beachgoers Can Do
Shorebird nesting areas are frequented by beachgoers, who may inadvertently crush eggs, cause nests to be abandoned, or displace chicks. Also, dogs and activities, such as kite flying, have a significant effect on nesting populations. To minimize human impacts and help shorebirds to hatch and fledge chicks successfully, many organizations sponsor shorebird protection and monitoring programs to safeguard threatened populations. By following posted restrictions and these simple guidelines, beachgoers can also help:

• Be sure to stay out of wildlife protection areas.
• Do not walk on erosion-sensitive sand dunes.
• Be vigilant about keeping dogs and other pets on leashes.
• Take away all garbage and food, which can attract shorebird predators.
• Be aware of where you walk and let fellow beachgoers know where you have sighted a nest.
• For information on what to do if you find an injured bird, go to the MassWildlife wildlife rehabilitation web page.

What Beach Drivers Can Do
Since many shorebird species hide in vehicle tracks, off road vehicle impacts can be significant. To minimize impacts, off road vehicles should stay outside of delineated habitat, designated in May of each year by postings or fencing. Beach management authorities have specific information and rules for each beach.

• For more information on off road vehicle permitting on the Cape Cod National Seashore, click here.
• The MassParks off road vehicles web page has information on off road vehicles permitting and where to ride.
• The Massachusetts Environmental Police posts recreational vehicle safety information.
• The Massachusetts Beach Buggy Association, Inc. posts reports on some Massachusetts beaches.

Shorebird Monitoring & Protection
Both the federal and state ESAs require that shorebirds be protected, especially during the mating season. A productive season is important to maintaining, and ideally increasing, their numbers.

• For information about the USFWS Northeast Region Endangered Species program, click here.
• To learn about the Commonwealth of Massachusetts NHESP Program, click here.
• The Program for Regional and International Shorebird Monitoring, PRISM, integrates shorebird migration survey efforts for East Coast states.
• Review the PRISM plan for Massachusetts to learn more about shorebird conservation initiatives. This may take a few minutes to download.
• Click here to find out how to volunteer for shorebird observation on Martha's Vineyard and Nantucket.
• To volunteer with Piping Plover monitoring efforts in Wellfleet, click here.

If you would like to report sightings:

• Use the Massachusetts Piping Plover census form (contact information is on the form).
• Or use the Massachusetts tern census form (contact information is on the form).

Birdwatching at the Shore
The Commonwealth's long shoreline offers many sites to observe nesting shorebirds. Several organizations list beaches and shorebird hot spots and offer opportunities for shorebird observation.

• Click here for information about coastal walking trails along the more than 1,500 miles of Massachusetts coastline.
• The Trustees of Reservations website has information on Massachusetts lands protected for wildlife and public use.
• Visit the Eastern Massachusetts National Wildlife Refuge, which is composed of eight ecologically diverse refuges that are stops along the Atlantic Flyway.
• Take a Second Look, organized by local birders to monitor the bird populations in Boston Harbor, lists Boston's shorebird hotspots.
• Shorebirds can be found in large numbers on the mudflats and salt marshes of the Harbor Islands.
• Check out the Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation's coastal facilities.
• Birdwatching is a popular activity at Mass Audubon Society sanctuaries.
• Shorebirds may be found at MassParks beach and swimming areas.

Birding Clubs and Other Web Resources
If you are interested in learning more about birding in Massachusetts, check out the following websites for resources to help get you started.

• Visit Bird Observer's Massachusetts birding website.
• Go to the Virtual Birder Massachusetts page for rare bird alerts, publications, links, and other information.
• Go E-Birding! Mass Audubon and the Cornell Lab of Ornithology have created this new tool to protect birdlife.
• Want to learn about the history of birding in Massachusetts? Click here.