NPS staff, local residents, partners, and visitors regularly see signs of shorebird management activities from spring through fall. These activities include scientific monitoring of birds during the breeding season, the placement of physical barriers to separate nesting birds from people and pets, steps to reduce predation on birds and eggs through lethal (this has not been implemented yet) and non-lethal methods and providing current information to visitors. The plan and Biological Opinion, which has a term of ten years (2031), inform the seashore’s approach to monitoring and managing shorebirds. The plan, developed through a formal Environmental Assessment, resulted from a complex eight-year process that involved many agencies and the public - including local residents, the recreation community, visitors, wildlife organizations, and other stakeholders. These documents enable the Seashore to conserve these birds while continuing to provide access and public enjoyment of beaches. The seashore works with other federal agencies (especially US Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) and United States Geological Survey (USGS)) and local partners to conserve the birds under the requirements of the Endangered Species Act (ESA) and other laws, policies, and regulations.Ĭape Cod National Seashore’s Shorebird Management Plan was finalized in 2019 and a formal consultation with the USFWS resulted in a Biological Opinion being administered in July 2021. Piping plover, least tern, American oystercatcher, roseate tern, and red knot shorebirds are considered endangered, threatened, or species of special concern by federal and state governments. They are a key component of the Cape Cod ecosystem and contribute to the beach experience enjoyed by millions of visitors. This will reduce disturbance to the incubating shorebirds and tern chicks.Ĭape Cod National Seashore (Seashore) is home to several species of shorebirds that use beaches for breeding, nesting, feeding, and resting during migrations. ![]() A rule of thumb is to walk as low down on the beach as possible allowing for the greatest distance from the nesting area (symbolic fencing).Never follow a chick(s) or get too close.The same is true if you see the adults/chicks feeding. If you see an adult bird “brooding” the chicks (that’s when the chicks are under the adult bird), walk around them.You can check with the shorebird staff prior to your program to get up-to-date information on recent hatchings. Chicks this young are very hard to see and will often crouch down in the sand when they are disturbed or feel threatened. To avoid the chance of chicks being accidently stepped on, large groups should try to avoid areas with 1- 3 day old shorebird chicks.Do not linger in front of the symbolic (post and string) fencing or near chicks.If they don’t return to the nest or are still exhibiting stressed behaviors (bobbing head, peeping, broken-wing), you should leave the area. If you see the adult bird get off the nest or an adult bird is approaching you doing the “broken-wing” behavior, back up. Stay far enough away that your presence is not altering the behavior of the bird (i.e. ![]() For all groups, but especially larger groups of 10 or more, stop approximately 20 meters before you reach the symbolic fencing (or chicks).Before you get to the nesting area, explain to the group that they should try to be as quiet as possible and limit their movement when they get close to the nest site. ![]() This is especially important when there are chicks on the beach that could be anywhere. Always look down the beach with binoculars to see what bird activity is ahead of you before you take the group.The smaller the group the better (10 or less is preferable).The objective is to reduce stress on the birds caused by disturbance by visitors. We suggest that group leaders stop at Salt Pond or Province Lands Visitor Centers to ask about the locations of nesting shorebirds and any regulations currently in place. These guidelines pertain primarily to groups visiting Cape Cod National Seashore beaches from April through July. Visiting Beaches While Nesting Shorebirds Are Present
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