Three Weeks for Dreamwidth: Shorebirds
Apr. 29th, 2023 12:53 am![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
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birdfeedingThree Weeks for Dreamwidth runs April 25-May 15. This year, I'll be posting about birds in honor of birdfeeding. Today's topic is Shorebirds.
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
birdfeeding. Today's topic is Shorebirds.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
