American Oystercatcher here
Transcription
American Oystercatcher here
Protecting and Monitoring the Population Natural Factors Starting in April, sites along Long Island Sound with appropriate nesting habitat are surveyed to locate nesting American Oystercatchers. Once a nest is found, string fencing and signs may be placed around the area to deter human disturbance. Nests are checked from a distance a few times each week by staff and volunteers to track the survival of adults and chicks. Threats to the habitat and nesting success are also recorded for use in managing and protecting the population. Many environmental conditions affect nesting Oystercatchers that are beyond our control. Coastal erosion and human construction can lessen the amount of suitable nesting habitat. As a result, American Oystercatchers are occasionally forced to nest in potentially dangerous areas that leave them more exposed to storms or high tides. Dogs as a Threat Dogs will chase American Oystercatchers, causing nests to be left exposed to weather and predation and possible injury to chicks and adults. Shorebirds perceive dogs as a potential predator, so even a leashed dog will often frighten adults off their nests, and can even cause nest abandonment. Predators Gulls, rats, feral cats, foxes, raccoons, ravens and crows are the most common predators, although other species also pose a threat. Human activity near nests can attract predators as well when food or litter is left on the beach. Predators will also observe human activity and/or follow scent trails to nests, even if observers are well intended and simply curious to find a nest. Human Disturbance American Oystercatchers’ nests are quite susceptible to disturbance. Human activity can often disrupt important nesting sites and even cause nest abandonment. Chicks that spend too much time hiding from humans can suffer from exposure or poor nutrition or become more vulnerable to predation by gulls or other predators. American Oystercatcher American Oystercatcher chick Audubon Alliance for Coastal Waterbirds The American Oystercatcher (Haematopus palliatus) is a migratory shorebird that breeds on Connecticut’s beaches and coastal islands from March through August. The American Oystercatcher is listed as a STATE THREATENED SPECIES due to their low breeding productivity and high rate of nest failure. These birds lay 3-4 eggs in dry sand or in rocky areas above the high tide line and incubate them for about 27 days. The chicks grow quickly and are able to fly in about five weeks, but young American Oystercatchers suffer from high mortality rates due to disturbance and predation pressures. Help keep American Oystercatchers safe by following these tips when on the beach: American Oystercatcher in flight 1. Stay away from string fencing and posted breeding bird areas. When nest sites are observed, walk along the wet sand close to the water’s edge. 6. Report the location of American Oystercatchers or their nests to Audubon Alliance staff, at [email protected]. 2. Always keep dogs leashed. Perceived as predators, even leashed dogs can stress shorebirds. Please respect local laws that restrict or prohibit the presence of dogs. 7. Learn more about what you can do to help protect Oystercatchers and other coastal waterbirds on our beaches by visiting our blog at http://ctwaterbirds.blogspot.com 3. Pack out your food waste and garbage. Food waste attracts predators and scavengers that may eat adults, chicks, and eggs. American Oystercatcher nest 4. Do not operate vehicles on beaches with nesting shorebirds. Vehicles, including ATVs and dirt bikes, can disturb nesting adults, destroy nests, crush chicks, and damage beach and dune habitat. 5. Keep an eye out for Oystercatchers when boating on Long Island Sound. Give these birds space, as they often nest on offshore islands. American Oystercatcher adult and chick To report harassment of American Oystercatchers by people or pets please call CT DEEP EnCon Police (860) 424-3333