Taking the family to a Georgia beach? Please be ready to share it with families of a different feather — beach-nesting birds.
Coastal areas popular in late spring and early summer double as important nesting habitat for protected birds such as American oystercatchers, Wilson’s plovers and least terns. Examples include Little Tybee, Pelican Spit off Sea, Cumberland and the southern end of Jekyll islands.

Beach-nesting birds nest above the high-tide line on wide, terraced beach flats or in the edge of dunes. In Georgia, the birds lay eggs in shallow scrapes in the sand from April through July. After hatching, chicks hide on the beach or in the grass. Disturbance by humans or pets can cause adult birds to abandon nests and chicks, exposing them to extreme heat and predators.

Tim Keyes, a state Department of Natural Resources biologist, encouraged beach-goers to avoid posted sites, walk below the high-tide line, observe beach birds only from a distance and back away from any nesting birds they accidentally disturb. Adults frightened from a nest will often call loudly and exhibit distraction displays, such as dragging one wing as if it’s broken.

“Typically, if you’re in the wrong place, the birds will try to let you know it — it is just a matter of paying attention,” said Keyes, who works for the DNR’s Nongame Conservation Section.

Human disturbance is a significant threat for these species, which already face risks from native predators and high spring tides that wash away nests and chicks. Pets also can be destructive, killing or scaring birds.

The problems are similar for migrating seabirds and shorebirds. Beaches provide vital stopover sites for species such as red knots flying from South America and the Arctic. Red knots flushed from feeding might not gain the weight they need to survive their more than 9,000-mile migration.

Beach-goers are urged to leave their dogs at home or leash them when visiting a beach where dogs are allowed. Owners who let their dogs chase shorebirds can be fined for harassing federally protected species.

People are asked to keep house cats inside and not feed feral cats.

Georgians can also help conserve Wilson’s plovers and other rare and endangered animals not legally hunted, fished for or trapped by purchasing a bald eagle or hummingbird license plate, or donating directly to the Georgia Wildlife Conservation Fund. This support is vital to the Nongame Conservation Section, which receives no state general funds to protect Georgia’s nongame wildlife, rare plants and natural habitats for future generations. Details at www.georgiawildlife.com or (478) 994-1438.