Fall migration is in full swing. In addition to songbirds, shorebirds are also winging their way south from breeding grounds in the arctic to wintering grounds as far flung as the southern tip of South America. Along the way, shorebirds need beaches and mudflats to forage for food and refuel during their long journey, making it essential to share and protect these areas responsibly during fall migration.

The coastlines of Door County and the rest of the Great Lakes that are so popular with people for sunbathing, dog walking, fishing, beachcombing, kayaking, and boating are also important sites for shorebirds. Over thirty species of sandpipers and plovers use our shores, as do other waterbirds like ducks, gulls, terns, pelicans, egrets, herons, and eagles, and even songbirds like American Pipits and Snow Buntings. Some shorebirds are in steep decline due to coastal development, pollution, predation, climate change, and direct human disturbance. The Piping Plover is a federally endangered species whose Great Lakes population is gradually increasing thanks to intensive protection efforts; I highly recommend the documentaries about Monty and Rose at Montrose Beach in Chicago. Piping Plovers have recently begun nesting on Cat Island in Green Bay, suggesting this sensitive species could nest in Door County in the future.

There are a number of small actions during fall migration that we can be doing to share beaches responsibly:  

Dogs on beaches. Leashing your dog makes a big difference. Even well-behaved dogs can frighten birds or accidentally hurt them. Staying away from nesting areas helps reduce stress on birds and protects nests, chicks, and adult birds. Where you do walk your dog, please keep at least 100 feet of distance from nesting and roosting birds. 

Keep beaches clean. Maintaining a clean beach is a simple yet powerful way to protect wildlife. Wildlife mistake litter for food. Food waste attracts predators, like raccoons, that prey on chicks and eggs. If there are no trash bins, take your garbage to dispose of at home or in the nearest town. A clean beach benefits everyone, including birds. 

Clean up fishing line and hooks.  Hooks and lines caught on branches and debris can become entangled on legs, wings, and beaks of birds. Geese, ducks and gulls are particularly vulnerable to these dangers. By properly disposing of fishing gear, you help prevent these injuries and contribute to a safer environment for both birds and people. 

As much as possible give resting and nesting birds at least 100 feet of space. Many shorebirds need space to feed, nest, or rest, especially during migration. Whenever possible, give birds at least 100 feet of distance to allow them to go about their natural behaviors. This is particularly important during breeding season when disturbing nesting birds can lead to abandoned eggs or chicks. 

Model good behavior. Kindly ask others to follow the rules. A polite, friendly approach can encourage a sense of shared responsibility, ensuring that everyone can enjoy the beach while protecting its wildlife.   

Whether it’s giving them space, cleaning up after ourselves, or being mindful of our pets, every small step helps to ensure we are protecting shorebirds.  

Special Note: The Impact of Dogs on Beach-Nesting Birds
Dogs, especially when off leash, can disturb birds that live on beaches. Birds perceive dogs, and people, as predators, and will flee for survival. For nesting birds, this leaves eggs and young vulnerable to the elements and predators, including dogs. For migrating birds, this depletes their vital energy stores. According to the National Audubon Society, research from around the world shows that the presence of dogs reduces nest success and even leads to fewer birds in natural areas compared to places where dogs are not allowed. There are many dog-friendly public spaces to choose from in Door County, however, and it’s always a good idea to know before you go if dogs are allowed.   

P.S. As a reminder, we kindly ask that you leave your dogs at home when visiting The Ridges, with the exception of Service Animals. If you would like to know where you can walk your dog, we have maps available at our front desk with dog-friendly properties and preserves in Door County. Feel free to ask our staff too – we love to hike with our dogs on properties where we can do so! 

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