Ah, Independence Day at the beach: a vivid sunset, warm sand, the boom and crackle of fireworks . . . and the shrieks of frightened shorebirds, scared off their nests by all the celebration.
To us, fireworks displays are a colorful display of national devotion, but to birds, they can be deadly. Fireworks set off near colonies of nesting shorebirds can spook the parents into leaving their nests鈥攚ith consequences for their babies. The tiny, fluffy chicks are left vulnerable to predators, like gulls and raccoons. The stakes are especially high this weekend: the chicks have hatched, but aren't strong enough to run away yet. 鈥淲e鈥檝e seen entire colonies [of shorebirds] fail over the Fourth of July weekend,鈥 says Julie Wraithmell, Director of Wildlife Conservation for 探花精选 Florida. At risk are birds like Least Terns, American Oystercatchers, and federally endangered Piping Plovers.
Does this mean we need to ban our beach festivities altogether? Luckily, you don鈥檛 have to be a killjoy to keep from killing birds. But if you鈥檙e going to enjoy fireworks on the Fourth, do so responsibly: go see a pre-planned civic or commercial fireworks display. Most cities plan their shows far away from sensitive nesting grounds, . The main thing to avoid is shooting off your own fireworks on the beach鈥攖hat鈥檚 where bird casualties are most likely. It's all too easy to accidentally overlook a camouflaged bird nest, and what looks like a safe, empty stretch of land for launching fireworks could be some bird's nursery.
If you really want to go all-in to help shorebirds this summer, you can volunteer to keep them safe from revelers and beachgoers. Check with your local 探花精选 society to see if they can recommend a program.
Of course, the beach is also a place to just relax. But please, treat the birds with respect. On this loudest, proudest day of patriotism, America鈥檚 natural treasures are certainly worth celebrating鈥攁nd protecting.
1. Keep out of labelled shorebird nesting areas. The signs are there for a reason.
2. Watch your feet if you suspect there鈥檚 an unmarked nest around. Piping Plover nests can be almost invisible on a pebbly beach, and it鈥檚 easy for beachgoers to accidentally step on them.
3. Don鈥檛 fly kites or drones near protected areas. To nervous parent birds, they can look like hungry peregrine falcons.
4. Keep your pets on leashes. Better yet, leave them at home. Your dog is just as curious about birds as you are, but it won鈥檛 know to leave the nests alone.
5. Pick up all your trash. Leftover picnic scraps can attract predators like gulls, foxes, and even coyotes.