Going Birding at the Beach

Summer is here, and that means vacation time for you and the family.  As a bird enthusiast, I truly enjoy going birding in various locations across the US. Sure there’s nothing like getting to know the birds in your own backyard, but there are many more to enjoy at beaches close to you.

Below are list of birds you may encounter at the beach:
•    Gulls -  Including Laughing Gulls, Herring Gulls, and Ring-billed Gulls
•    Terns -  Including Royal Terns, Caspian Terns, and  Common Terns
•    Sanderlings, Dowichers & Willets
•    Herons & Egrets – Including White Herons & Egrets, Grey / Blue Herons
Oystercatchers

Two years ago I visited the beach, Fort DeSoto Park in Florida, and was able to spot: Terns, Plovers, Skimmers and Oystercatchers, all of which nest on the beach. 
Oystercatchers are found on coasts worldwide, aside from polar and tropical regions of South East Asia & Africa. 
I recently read there were fewer than 400 pairs of Oystercatchers in Florida; making it one of their rarest birds.
Many of these birds make their nests out of sand, shells and pebbles, which are often times disrupted and destroyed by beachgoers.

Vacation Birding 101
Before you and the family venture out to enjoy the beach and marine life, be sure to remember these beach birding tips:
•    Be sure to follow any posted signs about beaches being closed during bird nesting seasons. 
•    Keep your dog on a leash at all times to ensure he / she does not injure juvenile birds.
•    If you have a picnic on the beach, be sure to pick up and dispose of all trash and food.
•    If fishing on the beach, be sure to throw away any used fishing line, as well as any plastic items with holes.