Sea and Shorebird’s Nesting Strategies, Why the Beach is the Best Place

The extreme environmental nesting conditions that shorebirds face seem less than ideal for sea and shorebird species raising their families — like the Black Skimmer, Least Tern, and Wilson's Plover. Compared to other avian species, such as songbirds and raptors that build nests from sticks, shorebirds’ nests may look simple and vulnerable to most observers. Just a shallow scrape in the sand! Yet, regardless of their vulnerable appearance, their nests have successfully fledged chicks here for thousands of generations. So, why do these birds choose to nest in such an unforgiving landscape, with their nests so vulnerable, when many other bird species have developed other seemingly more protective nesting styles?

Great question!

Sea and shorebirds often nest on busy beaches. Their success in fledging chicks depends heavily on preventing human-caused disturbances and reducing threats from predators. If it is almost impossible for shorebirds to have successful nests without human intervention, why do they continue to nest there?

A big part is the environment itself.

• The beach is a wide-open landscape with sparse vegetation, and this lack of obstructions makes birds more aware of their predators and allows for easy evasion if needed.
• The landscape is also ideal for colonial species, allowing for nesting in large numbers and adding an extra level of protection for vulnerable eggs and chicks.
• The texture of the sand aids camouflage, as eggs blend in well with the substrate.
• The shoreline provides many food resources for maturing chicks.

We must factor in that the beach was a much different place just a few hundred years ago, when the ancestors of the bird species we know that nest there have existed much longer than that. Where previously Florida’s beaches provided hundreds of miles of ideal habitat, that land is now occupied by heavy foot traffic, boat traffic, and beachside homes and businesses. Threats such as crows and coyotes—shorebirds' biggest predators today—were also less prevalent.

Sea and shorebirds face many more challenges than their ancestors did, such as disturbance from people, pets, vehicles, and increased predator pressure, which can lead to nest abandonment and chick endangerment. People can help eliminate the risk of nest abandonment and chick endangerment by not chasing birds, picking up food waste and trash to prevent crows, and leashing their dogs around nesting sites. 

For these reasons, Audubon Florida works with partners and volunteers to post nesting areas, educate beachgoers, and monitor colonies during nesting season. With our help, these species will be more successful in raising the next generations.