Seaside Wildlife
The Beach’s Winged Residents: Pelicans, Seagulls, and Terns – Nature’s Coastal Performers
Pelican Plunge: Ever noticed how pelicans dive straight into the water? These birds have a unique way of catching fish—they plunge-dive from heights, folding their wings just before impact. Their expandable throat pouches act like nets, scooping up their catch.
Seagull Smarts: Seagulls are known for their cleverness. They’ve been observed using bread as bait to catch fish and even stomping their feet on the ground to mimic rain, tricking worms to come to the surface. These birds are beach survivors, adapting to different environments with ease.
Terns – These sleek, graceful birds often fish alongside gulls, diving dramatically into the water to catch small fish. At sunset, you might see them in action, skimming the surface and performing aerial acrobatics.
Black Skimmers – With their unique long, lower beak, Black Skimmers fly low over the water, skimming the surface to catch fish. They are often seen in groups, blending in with gulls and terns, but their skimming behavior makes them stand out.
Royal Terns – Known for their striking black caps and orange beaks, these terns love to socialize with gulls and often dive bomb the water in groups to catch fish at sunset.
Turtle Time: Protecting Our Ocean Friends
Nest Respect: Sea turtles are incredible creatures that return to the same beaches where they were born to lay their eggs. During nesting season, be mindful of marked areas and avoid disturbing nests. Even a small disruption can be detrimental to turtle hatchlings.
Lights Out!: Artificial lights can disorient sea turtle hatchlings, leading them away from the ocean. During nesting season, turn off beachfront lights or use turtle-friendly lighting to ensure they make it safely to the water.
Flamingo Friends: Hurricanes & Their Impact
Separated from the Flock: During last year’s hurricane, some flamingos were separated from their flamboyance (yes, that’s what a group of flamingos is called!). These resilient birds managed to survive, but it’s a reminder of how powerful nature can be. Efforts to reunite these flamingos with their groups have been ongoing, highlighting the importance of wildlife rescue and conservation.
