ysabetwordsmith: Text -- three weeks for dreamwidth, in pink (three weeks for dreamwidth)
[personal profile] ysabetwordsmith posting in [community profile] birdfeeding
Three Weeks for Dreamwidth runs April 25-May 15. This year, I'll be posting about birds in honor of [community profile] birdfeeding. Today's topic is Shorebirds.

Three Weeks for Dreamwidth 2022


Shorebirds (see main category) flock to waterfronts or shallow bodies of water. In some cases, they hang around places that used to have such features, if they can find substitutes -- hence seagulls around garbage dumps in dry areas that used to be marsh. Shorebirds have several subcategories including Charadrii (waders: sheathbills, sandpipers, and painted snipes), Lari (gulls and their allies), and Alcae (auks). Some species of shorebirds are known or suspected to hybridize in the wild, making identification difficult -- but fascinating to observe. Some even form ring species.

Be a Better Birder: Shorebird Identification

Shorebirds 101: What to Look for When You Hit the Water

All Types of Wading Birds

Wading Birds - Waders - North American Birds

Sandpipers

Painted Snipes

Gulls and Terns

Auks


Most shorebirds do not come to birdfeeders. A few, like gulls, are opportunistic feeders who will eat almost anything. People usually consider them pests. I found one reference to an anti-seagull feeder that looks easy to replicate. You could also use small-bird feeders or squirrel-resistant feeders. For feeding vulnerable shorebirds that will come to feeders, consider a fly-through or ground tray style.

The best way to enjoy shorebirds is in their natural habitat, waterfronts. Look up recreational water near you, or wetlands, and you'll find them. So the best way to help shorebirds is to support your local watershed. Occasionally shorebirds may come to a backyard wildlife pond, but few are regular visitors. If you stock fish, however, you may well get egrets or herons -- koi fans talk about how to keep those from eating their fish. If you are instead a fan of shorebirds, simply stock cheap "feeder" goldfish.

6 Ways to Protect Your Local Watershed

Habitats for Shorebirds

How to Protect Local Waterways as a Business Leader

How We Protect Watersheds

How and Why to Protect Your Local Watershed

HOW YOU CAN HELP: SHOREBIRDS AND SEABIRDS

The Many Ways You Can Help Improve Waterway Health

Conservation – Pacific Flyway Shorebirds
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