The N.C. Coastal Federation launched its new speaker series with a May 17 presentation by Audubon North Carolina Deputy Director Walker Golder.
Mike Giles, coastal advocate, said the speaker series is one of a couple of new programs the federation is offering after moving to its new location in Wrightsville’s Historic Square.
“The Coastal Federation’s been around since 1982 … making sure we have clean water, sustainable coastal resources and clean beaches,” Giles said. “Now we can put our money where our mouth is.”
Golder discussed the work Audubon North Carolina does to protect shorebirds by monitoring species and preserving areas necessary for their survival, illustrating points with his photography.
Golder, born and bred on Wrightsville Beach, said access to the beach underlies any successful shorebird population.
“Birds absolutely depend on the coast,” Golder said. “There’s an entire suite of species that require beaches, marshes and those habitats associated with beaches and marshes for their very survival.”
Changes to beach habitats due to human disturbance, beach and inlet management and lack of regulatory protection have led to declining populations in 48 of 50 shorebird species. Conservation efforts previously focused on breeding but results have improved after the focus shifted to encompass year-round monitoring and protection.
“If we have even a small downturn in adult survival, we can wipe out that entire great productive breeding season that we just had. We had to begin to think about these birds year-round,” Golder said.
Piping plovers, a species once facing dangerous population declines, were discovered to winter in the Bahamas in large numbers. By observing the birds and tracking their movements, Audubon has partnered with Bahamas National Trust to protect 22,000 acres on the Joulter Cays islands to ensure continued growth for the plovers.
Thanks to conservation breakthroughs like that, piping plovers are now one of two shorebird species experiencing population growth.
Audubon North Carolina oversees bird sanctuaries dotting the Carolina coast from Ocracoke to Southport. The protected sites support 35 percent of the state’s bird population and allow intensive scientific study for continued conservation successes.
Golder explained how the organization’s efforts affect birds found on Wrightsville Beach like storm-loving least terns, masterful migrating red knots, showy oystercatchers and black skimmers with uniquely adapted bills.
In closing remarks, Giles noted that conservation efforts also benefit other coastal species.
“We talk about the wildlife but we need these areas to remain natural, to enjoy, to appreciate and to refresh our beings and our souls,” Giles said.
The speaker series will run from May to November.
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