S.C. wildlife officials warn about protecting birds during nesting season
CHARLESTON, S.C. (WCSC) - The South Carolina Department of Natural Resources is asking the public to help protect bird populations, some of which are declining, during nesting season.
The nesting season spans from mid-spring, and for some species such as the brown pelican, into mid-autumn.
SCDNR biologists say coastal birds need safe, undisturbed spaces to successfully nest and raise their chicks. Nearly all shorebird species along the Atlantic coast are declining and some have lost more than half of their population over the last three decades.
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The agency recommends visitors to the beaches and residents follow these steps to protect the birds:
- Follow local regulations, including pet ordinances and temporary closures. Different beaches have varied seasonal regulations to protect nesting shorebirds and seabirds. Know the rules before your visit.
- Leave dogs at home or, where allowed, keep them on a short leash. Coastal birds perceive all canines as predators. Even the presence of well-behaved dogs can stress nesting parents and cause them to flee.
- Stay away from roped-off nesting areas. When parents are forced to fly off their nest, they are leaving eggs and chicks vulnerable to the heat of summer and mammalian and avian predators.
- Leave only footprints. Remove personal items, trash and food scraps that you bring with you to avoid attracting predators such as raccoons or laughing gulls.
- Watch your steps. Walk in the wet sand and around birds that may be feeding by the water line to avoid making them fly.
The agency posts signs about the season and biologists sometimes rope off suitable nesting habitats.
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SCDNR wildlife biologist Janet Thibault recently reported the first documented shorebird nest of the season at the Crab Bank Seabird Sanctuary in Charleston Harbor. Last month, she found a single egg in a small divot in the sand, which she identified as that of an American oystercatcher.
“American oystercatchers are one of the first coastal bird species to nest on South Carolina beaches and Crab Bank provides perfect habitat for them,” Thibault said.
SCDNR manages several Seabird Sanctuaries, ephemeral islands along the coast that include Crab Bank, Deveaux Bank and Bird Key-Stono, according to a release from SCDNR. These properties are home to large nesting colonies of seabirds such as brown pelicans, black skimmers, and royal terns and are important migratory shorebird stopover sites.
These islands are closed to all access from March 15 to Oct. 15 of each year, including, for the first time, the entirety of Deveaux Bank.
Other SCDNR-owned barrier islands have regulations in place to protect beach nesting-wildlife, including sea turtles.
Click here to read the SCDNR regulations related to nesting season.
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