Where have all the shorebirds gone?
Alaska’s large and diverse habitats make it a valuable location for breeding shorebirds, leading over one third of the world’s population to travel to the state for the critical breeding season between May and July. During spring and fall migration, huge numbers of shorebirds congregate at stopover sites such as the Yukon-Kuskokwim Delta and the Copper River Delta. However, these numbers have been declining in the last few decades, concurrent with a 37% decline of shorebird species across North America. Of the 41 shorebirds known to breed in Alaska, seven have experienced a substantial decrease in population size and 12 a moderate decrease or suspected decrease.
While large scale threats such as habitat loss are a major cause behind these declines, there are actions at a local level that can help to conserve shorebirds in Alaska.
Actions to Help Shorebirds
- Share the Shore, Leash Dogs
Migrating shorebirds are often exhausted after a grueling migration, which can be over 8,000 miles for several species. When they rest on beaches in April and May, being disturbed by off-leash dogs or people can force them to flee and waste energy needed to restore fuel reserves and prepare for breeding. Putting your dog on a leash can prevent disturbance to resting shorebirds during migration and can prevent injury to vulnerable chicks during the June nesting season.
2. Keep Cats Indoors
Cats are one of the main predators of North America’s birds, with free-roaming cats killing between 1.3‒4 billion birds a year. Cats are also more vulnerable to injury and disease when roaming freely outdoors, so walking cats with leashes or building a catio to support their indoor life can keep both cats and birds safe. Chicks are especially vulnerable during the June nesting season and keeping cats indoors in June can help to conserve the next generation of shorebirds.
3. Watch the Road
In June most shorebird chicks are on the move, sometimes moving several miles from inland nesting sites to the coast. These chicks cannot fly for their first 3-4 weeks and are vulnerable to car strikes. Watch for young birds on the road during this time and give shorebird families a chance to cross safely.