By David Pendered
Georgia environmental officials are asking beachgoers along Georgia’s coast to give nesting birds plenty of clearance because Hurricane Matthew damaged offshore sandbars that formerly served as nesting areas.
The cautionary advice is the latest reminder of the hurricane’s impact. On April 13, FEMA reported the federal government has provided Georgians with $78.2 million in grants, settlements and low-interest disaster loans.
According to a statement from the Georgia Department of Natural Resources:
- “When Matthew hit in October, the storm destroyed or diminished most of Georgia’s offshore bars that serve as nest sites largely free of predators and human disturbance. These shoals of sand, such as St. Catherines and Ogeechee bars, ‘have been drivers in productivity for shorebird and seabirds,’ said Tim Keyes, a state wildlife biologist.”
In response to the changes offshore, state officials have moved nesting stakes higher on beaches where birds and beachgoers mix. This is the case on Jekyll, St. Simons and Little Tybee islands.
The higher stake lines are intended to increase the buffer between humans and birds, especially those that nest above the high-tide line on wide beach flats or on the edges of dunes. This includes species including American oystercatchers, black skimmers and least terns, according to the DNR statement.
The increased buffer intends to help birds that lay eggs in shallow scrapes in the sand from April through July. After birds hatch, they hide on the beach or in dune grass until they learn to fly.
This is the reason for concern over pets on the beach. Owners of dogs that chase federally protect species can be fined, according to the statement.
Dogs are banned by regulation or law from nesting areas on the beachfront of Little Tybee Island, Pelican Spit, Satilla Marsh Island and Little Egg Island bar. Little Egg bar, Pelican Spit and Brunswick Dredge Island, are so ecologically sensitive they are closed to human visitors.
Birds will defend themselves. Adults will call loudly and display distractive behaviors, such as dragging a wing as if it’s wounded. Others will dive-bomb humans and animals.
Georgia’s DNR asks beachgoers to help nesting birds by the respecting the following guidelines:
- “Stay in high-traffic areas; birds are less likely to nest where crowds gather.
- “Walk below the high-tide line or on wet-sand beaches.
- “Avoid posted nesting sites.
- “Observe beach birds only from a distance. Back away from any nesting birds you 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.)
- “If you see people disturbing nesting birds, respectfully tell them how their actions can affect the birds. If the people continue, contact DNR’s ranger hotline, (800) 241-4113 or rangerhotline@dnr.ga.gov.
- “Leave dogs at home or keep them on a leash when visiting a beach where they’re allowed. (Owners who let their dogs chase shorebirds can be fined for harassing protected species.)
- “Keep house cats indoors, and don’t feed feral cats. Cats often prey on birds.”
