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Protecting and Monitoring the Population
Natural Factors
Starting in April, sites along Long Island
Sound with appropriate nesting habitat
are surveyed to locate nesting American
Oystercatchers. Once a nest is found, string
fencing and signs may be placed around
the area to deter human disturbance. Nests
are checked from a distance a few times
each week by staff and volunteers to track
the survival of adults and chicks. Threats
to the habitat and nesting success are also
recorded for use in managing and protecting
the population.
Many environmental conditions affect nesting
Oystercatchers that are beyond our control.
Coastal erosion and human construction
can lessen the amount of suitable nesting
habitat. As a result, American Oystercatchers
are occasionally forced to nest in potentially
dangerous areas that leave them more
exposed to storms or high tides.
Dogs as a Threat
Dogs will chase American Oystercatchers,
causing nests to be left exposed to weather
and predation and possible injury to chicks
and adults. Shorebirds perceive dogs as a
potential predator, so even a leashed dog
will often frighten adults off their nests, and
can even cause nest abandonment.
Predators
Gulls, rats, feral cats, foxes, raccoons, ravens
and crows are the most common predators,
although other species also pose a threat.
Human activity near nests can attract
predators as well when food or litter is left
on the beach. Predators will also observe
human activity and/or follow scent trails to
nests, even if observers are well intended
and simply curious to find a nest.
Human Disturbance
American Oystercatchers’ nests are quite
susceptible to disturbance. Human activity
can often disrupt important nesting sites
and even cause nest abandonment. Chicks
that spend too much time hiding from
humans can suffer from exposure or poor
nutrition or become more vulnerable to
predation by gulls or other predators.
American
Oystercatcher
American Oystercatcher chick
Audubon Alliance for Coastal Waterbirds
The American Oystercatcher (Haematopus
palliatus) is a migratory shorebird that
breeds on Connecticut’s beaches and
coastal islands from March through August.
The American Oystercatcher is listed as a
STATE THREATENED SPECIES due to their low
breeding productivity and high rate of nest
failure. These birds lay 3-4 eggs in dry sand
or in rocky areas above the high tide line and
incubate them for about 27 days. The chicks
grow quickly and are able to fly in about five
weeks, but young American Oystercatchers
suffer from high mortality rates due to
disturbance and predation pressures.
Help keep American Oystercatchers safe by following
these tips when on the beach:
American Oystercatcher in flight
1. Stay away from string fencing and posted
breeding bird areas.
When nest sites are observed, walk along the
wet sand close to the water’s edge.
6. Report the location of American
Oystercatchers or their nests to
Audubon Alliance staff, at
[email protected].
2. Always keep dogs leashed.
Perceived as predators, even leashed dogs
can stress shorebirds. Please respect local
laws that restrict or prohibit the presence of
dogs.
7. Learn more about what you can
do to help protect Oystercatchers
and other coastal waterbirds on our
beaches by visiting our blog at
http://ctwaterbirds.blogspot.com
3. Pack out your food waste and garbage.
Food waste attracts predators and scavengers
that may eat adults, chicks, and eggs.
American Oystercatcher nest
4. Do not operate vehicles on beaches with
nesting shorebirds.
Vehicles, including ATVs and dirt bikes, can
disturb nesting adults, destroy nests, crush
chicks, and damage beach and dune habitat.
5. Keep an eye out for Oystercatchers when
boating on Long Island Sound.
Give these birds space, as they often nest on
offshore islands.
American Oystercatcher adult and chick
To report harassment of
American Oystercatchers
by people or pets please call
CT DEEP EnCon Police
(860) 424-3333