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The Black Skimmer is the only bird species in North America with a lower mandible that is longer than the upper one.
Marbled godwit ~ The name "godwit" comes from the Old English word "godewit," which means "good creature" or "good thing." This name reflects the positive associations people have had with these birds throughout history.
A tiny, four day old Piping Plover narrowly escapes the crashing surf. Quite a distance away I laid flat on the beach with my 600mm lens and 2x extender to prevent interference. As I watched the three tiny, cottonball sized baby shorebirds would follow the surf as it pulled out, seeking small marine invertebrates washed up in its wake. Occasionally they would be caught off guard and the receding wave would reveal a tiny, water-soaked pile of downy feathers and limbs. These precocial plovers are hardy and would shake it off and continue about their hunt. #sharetheshore
I have had many special shorebird encounters in recent years, from the coastlines of New Jersey, Florida, Alaska and Long Island, NY, to our local marshy habitat in upstate, NY. It’s such a treat watching them scurry along the shore, probing the sand for invertebrates or small fish in the wake of receding waves. Definitely this encounter last summer was by far the most special. My friend, Robyn, had been monitoring a Piping Plover nest that was tucked safely in the confines of a wired cage with the further protection of a roped off barrier. How incredibly lucky I was that the one day I came to visit was the day these tiny, precocial shorebirds would hatch! We laid on the beach, cautiously distant from this tiny new family as they ran around looking for insects and other tasty treats. At sunset, this one plover ran right across my field of view, kicking up diamonds in the sand with its downy feathers on fire from the light of the setting sun. Take a moment to celebrate the shorebird species closest to your heart on this World Shorebird day, September 6, 2020. Thank you to my friend Diana Meyn for reminding me about this important day. #WorldShorebirdDay #ShareTheShore
What is this wee little piping plover up to? No, it’s not doing beachside calisthenics. In fact, it’s reversing direction to escape the powerful force of the wave headed in its direction. This precocial, four-day-old cotton ball with legs has been searching for small invertebrates churned up in the wake as the waves pull back out to sea. Yup, they are that smart already! On high alert, it dashes quickly away as the waves roll back into shore. Seriously, don't mess with nature! It knows what it needs. <3 #sharetheshore
There is so much happening in this image, I almost don’t know where to start! Meet American Oystercatcher AEH 1166-04863 and one of its two youngsters from this year’s brood. Gender not disclosed, 04863 was recently identified and reported by my friends, Robyn and Paul, at Nickerson Beach on Long Island. They were generous to share the report they received that indicates 04863 to be at least 18 years old and in recent years has been seen wintering in Altamaha Sound in Georgia. The oldest monitored American Oystercatcher was nearly 24 years old so 04863 here is getting on in years. As you can see, it is still reproducing successfully. These large shorebirds are monogamous, often spanning many years, and both adults participate in the brooding and feeding of the chicks. Therefore, behaviorially, unless I see them mating, it would be difficult to judge gender. One quick note about the youngster in this image. Although shorebirds are precocial, oystercatchers are born requiring feeding and guidance for the first two months, similar to seabirds. As with every wild encounter, I feel very honored to share the beach with such a remarkable species. Always remember to #ShareTheShore and respect boundaries, leash laws and other regulations.
The wind was strong on this morning at Nickerson beach in mid-June 2019. This American Oystercatcher seemed to be using the grass as a shield as protection from the blowing sand. These large shorebirds nest off the coast of Long Island and will be long gone by now as they journey south for the winter. The beach was mostly closed this year to outsiders due to the COVID-19 risk and desire to keep beach populations low. Hoping to be back next year, spending time with the nesting shorebirds and seabirds. Until then, I still have my health and so many amazing memories from previous summers. Please stay safe! We will get through this together
Hours old, the tiny Piping Plover hunts along the beach for small insects and aquatic invertebrates. Unlike the oystercatcher from my recent post, these shorebirds are fully precocial. Their only dependence on parents is for protection and brooding. A species listed as near threatened by the IUCN, it's always very heartening to see them breeding successfully along our coastal shores. Please always remember to #ShareTheShore
I did not set out, nor did I expect, to find piping plovers yesterday morning at Jones Beach, this late in the season. It’s a long trudge through soft sand to get to the beach and an even longer haul down to the jetty, especially carrying 25 pounds of gear. I had hoped to find young least terns since they were reportedly still nesting within the past two weeks. I did see terns, but none with families. There are protected areas the full length of the beach, so I kept going. When I neared the jetty I saw a lot of hunting terns in the water so planned to shoot them against the backdrop of the mossy rocks. Then I noticed an adult piping plover hunting in the surf just as something on the ridge caught my eye. I looked right to see a tiny puffball scurrying through the sand, followed by another, and then a third! Finding a distant spot that wouldn’t interfere with their progress, with a lens and teleconverter at 1200mm, I plopped down on my belly and watched as these impossibly small, precocial shorebirds showed off their hunting prowess. It is always a huge privilege to share time with these beautiful, near-threatened birds. I found out later that the chicks hatched on Sunday and were four days old. If you do spot them, or any other feathered residents, please make sure to give them plenty of room to move between the surf and beach as needed. #ShareTheShore
I had been laying in the sand at a pretty good distance from the roped area while watching a family of oystercatchers that was behind the barrier. After a few minutes this youngster ran out at an angle, easing in my direction and then ducked behind this tuft of vegetation. It seemed to be cautiously curious about my presence. And really, I would be wary too considering the bling the last humans nailed him with. However, banding is an important aid on the conservation of the species so it’s a small price to pay for the protection of these cleaver shorebirds. #ShareTheShore
Wishing you a Happy Valentine's Day from a Black Skimmer pair photographed a few summers ago. Prior to mating, I have seen a couple of different behaviors. The male will deliver a fish for the female as a gift and she will acquiesce. On this day, no physical gift was exchanged. Instead, they crossed bills back and forth multiple times, then the female turned around and the mating began. Enjoy your day, however you celebrate! #ShareTheShore
Alternate title, "Gotta Run!". A tiny, new piping plover races through sand on the evening of its first sunset. Just received word that this image won second place in the NANPA Nature Photography Day photo contest! Thank you, NANPA, for promoting nature photography. And for making my trip pay for itself, woo hoo! #ShareTheShore
One of two frames from last summer at Nickerson Beach. This American Oystercatcher grabbed a tiny morsel that had washed up on shore and ran it up the beach, presumably to feed its young. Foreground and background on both images are not altered other than tonal adjustments. Which frame do you prefer?
A new day dawns on a common tern, calling out as it perches on a post in the protected areas of Nickerson Beach in coastal NY. Terns have had a tough summer as entire broods were wiped out for unexplained reasons, possibly e-coli. When we were there last Wednesday evening we noticed only a handful of older chicks while dozens of childless common terns took to the water in search of food. Their summer burden having perished, their only purpose is to feed themselves. Still, we saw a few that appeared to be re-nesting, possibly in a hopeful attempt to begin anew. Life in the wild is a constant struggle and gets harder each year as we continue to further encroach on their native areas. Remember to #ShareTheShore.
Approaching sunset one windy day in June, a Least Tern sits tight on her eggs, incubating them and protecting them from the elements. Unlike the larger, colonial nesting Common Tern, Least Tern nests are typically much more spread out. These small seabirds nest on coastal beaches, exposed sandbars and tidal flats. Due to a severe population drop leading to 2015, least terns are considered a watch species and locally endangered in much of their region. As with so many other species, human disturbance, encroachment and habitat loss largely contribute to the decline in numbers. Audubon noted that some populations are adapting and have been found nesting on gravel roofs near the coast. While it’s great to learn that they are finding a way to survive, I would sure like to explore ways for humans adapt to suit the needs of our wild neighbors and not the reverse. Photographed from a distance, outside a roped off area and with a supertelephoto lens and extender to prevent disturbance. #ShareTheShore
With so much scary news coming at us from all directions, it probably feels like we want to bury our heads in the sand. New York state, where I live, has been hit hard by the coronavirus. We are moving into a non-essential lockdown with many businesses closing their doors for the coming weeks. We’re all impacted in one way or another. To combat the overwhelming helplessness, this weekend I’m beginning to explore my newly purchased backyard. On my now nearly full acre yard, I’m excited to begin what will be a long-term journey toward creating and improving habitat for pollinators and other wildlife. What are you doing to stay positive?
I photographed this small toad on the same beach as the piping plover peep from yesterday’s video. Paul, Instagram @acouplewithoutborders, noticed it first as we all walked the long, sandy path back from the beach. Lighting was harsh but I worked to bump up the saturation to pull out color in those beautiful eyes. Be careful as you walk these paths at the beach. You never know what might be living in the sand. #sharetheshore
Western snowy plovers are among the smallest shorebirds in California and make their nests in the sand above the high tide line in small indentations called “scrapes.” Their perfectly camouflaged eggs blend into the sand, making them even more difficult to spot. Photo courtesy of California Department of Parks and Recreation.
Western snowy plovers are among the smallest shorebirds in California and make their nests in the sand above the high tide line in small indentations called “scrapes.” Their perfectly camouflaged eggs blend into the sand, making them even more difficult to spot. Photo courtesy of Alexis Frangis/California Department of Parks and Recreation.
Western snowy plovers are among the smallest shorebirds in California and make their nests in the sand above the high tide line in small indentations called “scrapes.” Their perfectly camouflaged eggs blend into the sand, making them even more difficult to spot. Photo courtesy of Alexis Frangis/California Department of Parks and Recreation.
The sign marks western snowy plover nesting habitat. Western snowy plovers are among the smallest shorebirds in California and make their nests in the sand above the high tide line in small indentations called “scrapes.” Their perfectly camouflaged eggs blend into the sand, making them even more difficult to spot. Photo courtesy of California Department of Parks and Recreation.
The sign marks western snowy plover nesting habitat. Western snowy plovers are among the smallest shorebirds in California and make their nests in the sand above the high tide line in small indentations called “scrapes.” Their perfectly camouflaged eggs blend into the sand, making them even more difficult to spot. Photo courtesy of Alecia Smith.
An endangered bird, tiny and often hidden in the sand! Snowy Plovers are adorable and need us to #ShareTheShore to protect their habitat, nests, and lives! These Snowies were seen in Newport Beach, CA.
With help from California State Parks, US Fish & Wildlife Service, and Audubon staff and volunteers, over 30 Share the Shore signs were installed near nesting sites at the Tijuana Slough and Silver Strand State Beach.
California youth created signs that ask beachgoers to share the shore with wildlife! The kid-created signs alert people to the birds, like the threatened Western Snowy Plover, and ask them to stay out of fenced-off areas during breeding season. Pennies for the Planet supported San Diego Audubon to carry out this art project to inspire others to care through positive messages.
With help from California State Parks, US Fish & Wildlife Service, and Audubon staff and volunteers, over 30 Share the Shore signs were installed near nesting sites at the Tijuana Slough and Silver Strand State Beach.
California youth created signs that ask beachgoers to share the shore with wildlife! The kid-created signs alert people to the birds, like the threatened Western Snowy Plover, and ask them to stay out of fenced-off areas during breeding season. Pennies for the Planet supported San Diego Audubon to carry out this art project to inspire others to care through positive messages.
Western snowy plovers are among the smallest shorebirds in California and make their nests in the sand above the high tide line in small indentations called “scrapes.” Their perfectly camouflaged eggs blend into the sand, making them even more difficult. Photo courtesy of Alecia Smith.
An endangered bird, tiny and often hidden in the sand! Snowy Plovers are adorable and need us to #ShareTheShore to protect their habitat, nests, and lives! These Snowies were seen in Newport Beach, CA.
Western snowy plovers are among the smallest shorebirds in California and make their nests in the sand above the high tide line in small indentations called “scrapes.” Their perfectly camouflaged eggs blend into the sand, making them even more difficult to spot. Photo courtesy of Alexis Frangis/California Department of Parks and Recreation.
With help from California State Parks, US Fish & Wildlife Service, and Audubon staff and volunteers, over 30 Share the Shore signs were installed near nesting sites at the Tijuana Slough and Silver Strand State Beach.
California youth created signs that ask beachgoers to share the shore with wildlife! The kid-created signs alert people to the birds, like the threatened Western Snowy Plover, and ask them to stay out of fenced-off areas during breeding season. Pennies for the Planet supported San Diego Audubon to carry out this art project to inspire others to care through positive messages.
Western snowy plovers are among the smallest shorebirds in California and make their nests in the sand above the high tide line in small indentations called “scrapes.” Their perfectly camouflaged eggs blend into the sand, making them even more difficult to spot. Photo courtesy of Alexis Frangis/California Department of Parks and Recreation.
With help from California State Parks, US Fish & Wildlife Service, and Audubon staff and volunteers, over 30 Share the Shore signs were installed near nesting sites at the Tijuana Slough and Silver Strand State Beach.
California youth created signs that ask beachgoers to share the shore with wildlife! The kid-created signs alert people to the birds, like the threatened Western Snowy Plover, and ask them to stay out of fenced-off areas during breeding season. Pennies for the Planet supported San Diego Audubon to carry out this art project to inspire others to care through positive messages.
Western snowy plovers are among the smallest shorebirds in California and make their nests in the sand above the high tide line in small indentations called “scrapes.” Their perfectly camouflaged eggs blend into the sand, making them even more difficult to spot. Photo courtesy of Alecia Smith.
With help from California State Parks, US Fish & Wildlife Service, and Audubon staff and volunteers, over 30 Share the Shore signs were installed near nesting sites at the Tijuana Slough and Silver Strand State Beach.
California youth created signs that ask beachgoers to share the shore with wildlife! The kid-created signs alert people to the birds, like the threatened Western Snowy Plover, and ask them to stay out of fenced-off areas during breeding season. Pennies for the Planet supported San Diego Audubon to carry out this art project to inspire others to care through positive messages.
With help from California State Parks, US Fish & Wildlife Service, and Audubon staff and volunteers, over 30 Share the Shore signs were installed near nesting sites at the Tijuana Slough and Silver Strand State Beach.
California youth created signs that ask beachgoers to share the shore with wildlife! The kid-created signs alert people to the birds, like the threatened Western Snowy Plover, and ask them to stay out of fenced-off areas during breeding season. Pennies for the Planet supported San Diego Audubon to carry out this art project to inspire others to care through positive messages.
Western snowy plovers are among the smallest shorebirds in California and make their nests in the sand above the high tide line in small indentations called “scrapes.” Their perfectly camouflaged eggs blend into the sand, making them even more difficult to spot. Photo courtesy of Alexis Frangis/California Department of Parks and Recreation.
With help from California State Parks, US Fish & Wildlife Service, and Audubon staff and volunteers, over 30 Share the Shore signs were installed near nesting sites at the Tijuana Slough and Silver Strand State Beach.
California youth created signs that ask beachgoers to share the shore with wildlife! The kid-created signs alert people to the birds, like the threatened Western Snowy Plover, and ask them to stay out of fenced-off areas during breeding season. Pennies for the Planet supported San Diego Audubon to carry out this art project to inspire others to care through positive messages.
With help from California State Parks, US Fish & Wildlife Service, and Audubon staff and volunteers, over 30 Share the Shore signs were installed near nesting sites at the Tijuana Slough and Silver Strand State Beach.
California youth created signs that ask beachgoers to share the shore with wildlife! The kid-created signs alert people to the birds, like the threatened Western Snowy Plover, and ask them to stay out of fenced-off areas during breeding season. Pennies for the Planet supported San Diego Audubon to carry out this art project to inspire others to care through positive messages.
An endangered bird, tiny and often hidden in the sand! Snowy Plovers are adorable and need us to #ShareTheShore to protect their habitat, nests, and lives! These Snowies were seen in Newport Beach, CA.
An endangered bird, tiny and often hidden in the sand! Snowy Plovers are adorable and need us to #ShareTheShore to protect their habitat, nests, and lives! These Snowies were seen in Newport Beach, CA.
California youth are working to protect birds and local beach habitat before it’s too late. How? By creating signs that ask beachgoers to share the shore with wildlife! The kid-created signs alert people to the birds, like the threatened Western Snowy Plover, and ask them to stay out of fenced-off areas during breeding season. Pennies for the Planet supported San Diego Audubon to carry out this art project to inspire others to care through positive messages.