New Evidence Reveals Coastal Birds Need Both Stewardship and Restoration

Spring marks the beginning of sea- and shorebird breeding season along the U.S. coastline, where species like Least Tern, Snowy Plover, and American Oystercatcher can be found nestled in the sand and raising chicks with an ocean view. However, these picturesque shorelines are not without their dangers. Both birds and people must weather tropical storms and hurricanes, along with the inevitable flooding and erosion that comes with them. And as more people flock to the beaches birds rely on, birds often lose out on safe, undisturbed places to nest. Challenges such as habitat loss and disturbance by beachgoers are widespread, impacting many bird populations on Pacific, Atlantic, and Gulf coasts, as well as the Great Lakes.

The good news is that we have the power to protect birds from human disturbance and habitat loss. Often, conservationists address these threats opportunistically, as funds become available to implement habitat restoration in one location, or to conduct beachgoer education in another. However, Audubon’s recent study, published in the Journal of Field Ornithology, demonstrates that these strategies are more successful when implemented together.  The research focuses on the Gulf Coast but is relevant for understanding threats as well as solutions that can be applied to coastline habitats more broadly. Stewardship and management done in conjunction with each other is the most effective way to help shorebirds survive and even thrive.

Coastal birds like Least Tern and American Oystercatcher need undisturbed habitat on our beaches and islands to nest, rest, and forage for food. These same habitats are often popular destinations for us to enjoy every summer with our families and dogs, making coexistence tricky. Audubon’s Coastal Bird Stewardship Program brings together Audubon staff, partners, and volunteers across the hemisphere to protect these birds from human disturbance by roping off nesting areas, posting educational signs, and outreach to beachgoers and local communities. Our staff also help protect these vulnerable birds from predators like crows and coyotes.  

Human and predator disturbance isn’t the only stressor these birds face. Climate change is causing increased flooding, storms, and sea-level rise, leading nests to get washed out by storm surges and beaches to erode. As natural beach habitats shrink, many birds are already seeking out unusual alternative sites to nest, like gravel rooftops. 

Beach restoration such as vegetation management, beach nourishment, and reducing beach raking are also important ways to address habitat loss and degradation. Audubon is working across the hemisphere to restore coastal habitats birds need to thrive. Addressing human disturbance and habitat loss in these ways is crucial for supporting coastal birds, and Audubon’s latest science reveals that these strategies are most effective hand-in-hand.   

Audubon’s recent study offers a comprehensive look at the biggest threats to coastal birds—and what we can do about them.  We looked across multiple bird groups (shorebirds, seabirds, and wading birds), multiple threats (human disturbance and habitat loss), and a wide range of management approaches. These threats often occur and affect multiple species at once, so a holistic, multi-species strategy is essential. The study also revealed that successful conservation efforts tend to be long-term and adaptive. Programs that track their progress and adjust as needed are more likely to succeed. And while there’s no one-size-fits-all solution, understanding local conditions—like which species are present and what threats they face—is crucial to getting it right. 

Finally, our research highlights where more work is needed. For example, there’s a notable gap in studies measuring how well stewardship reduces the impacts of human disturbance on the Gulf Coast, as well as generally for seabirds and wading birds. While there’s significant research on habitat restoration in the region, strategies specific to wading birds remain under-studied. 

Audubon is already putting the results of this study into action. With funding from the NOAA RESTORE Act Science Program, we’re collaborating with land managers and researchers across four Gulf Coast states. Together, we’re working to answer critical questions, including how to apply resources strategically, and what practices for outreach, education, and stewardship make the most difference for coastal bird populations. 

How you can help

You also play a part in helping protect birds on our beaches this summer. Here are four simple things you can do to keep coastal birds safe: 

• Stay away from areas that have been roped off for nesting birds and avoid walking through or near flocks of birds. Birds need space to thrive! If a parent is scared off a nest, they can expose their eggs or chicks to potentially fatal heat or predators. Getting too close can also cause stress to the birds, wasting their precious energy. Give birds plenty of distance, and make sure to follow any more specific local guidelines. 
• Only take your pup to beaches where dogs are allowed, and remember to always use a leash. We love dogs, but unfortunately our furry friends look like predators to coastal birds. 
• Take your trash with you when you leave. Garbage can attract predators, and some trash such as fishing line can entangle birds. 
• Remind others to share the shore using our social media toolkit. 

Volunteer at a beach near you

If you want to do even more to help coastal birds, you can get directly involved in coastal stewardship at a beach near you by clicking on the links below. If your community doesn’t have a coastal stewardship program yet, you can start one—check out Audubon’s stewardship toolkit, a guide to engaging in advocacy and organizing volunteers at your beach. 

• Audubon California
• Audubon Connecticut
• Audubon Florida
• Audubon Delta (Louisiana)
• Audubon Delta (Mississippi)
• Audubon Great Lakes
• Audubon New York
• Audubon North Carolina
• Audubon South Carolina
• Audubon Texas