Monomoy National Wildlife Refuge

Shorebird Disturbance

Monomoy NWR provides crucial resting, nesting, and feeding habitat for a huge variety of migratory birds, including more than 40 species of shorebirds. In fact, the refuge is considered of the most important areas along the Atlantic Flyway for migratory shorebirds. The refuge has been designated an Important Bird Area in the state of Massachusetts and Site of Regional Importance by the Western Hemisphere Shorebird Reserve Network. 

Shorebirds, who rely on coastal habitats which are often shared by humans, are experiencing population declining all over the world. This decline is driven by a number of factors, one of which is human disturbance. Human disturbance is any human activity that disrupts a shorebird's natural behaviors (such as foraging, resting, incubating a nest, or raising their chicks) forcing them to expend extra energy, abandon habitats, and significantly impacting their survival. Shorebirds see all humans and dogs as threats, even when we mean them no harm. 

To help protect these vulnerable birds who call Monomoy NWR home, we are taking part in an effort stretching along the entire Atlantic coast to reduce human disturbance to shorebirds. The goal is to use a combination of research, outreach, and engagement techniques within our local community to help provide these birds a safe place to nest, raise their young, and stop to rest and feed during their perilous migratory journey. 

You can play an important role in helping these amazing birds by learning about how you can Share the Shore, and by leaving pets at home when visiting the beach! 

Learn more at: https://atlanticflywayshorebirds.org/human-disturbance/