We spread the philosophy of sharing the shore with our shorebirds and terns, but sometimes they have to share that same shore with one another. Connecticut's nesting areas are very small - tiny offshore islands, a slice of tidal marsh, patches of sandy beach and dune surrounded by homes or beachgoers. Even when a pair has some space, there are other individuals or pairs to compete with on that territory. Once that is settled, you realize other species are all around you as well. These neighbors may have kids of their own, and then they wander into your yard and your house...
That Piping Plover parent did not appreciate the two young American Oystercatchers entering its exclosure. After some flapping and some yelling, the little ones were run out of the area and pushed back towards the waterline with mom and dad. It was a cute interaction for us to see from afar, but these squabbles expend yet more energy, similar to when visitors push them off their nests or birders and photographers pursue them on the beach. They can even turn dangerous or deadly at times. It's not an easy world out there, and it's all the more reason we must give them every advantage possible each spring, remembering that even with the best of intentions we are a threat as well.
Scott Kruitbosch
AAfCW Volunteer Coordinator
RTPI Manager of Connecticut Programs
No comments:
Post a Comment