Protecting Endangered Beach Nesting Birds In Belmar

Some of Belmar's most treasured environmental gems are nesting refuges for endangered coastal birds such as the American Osytercatcher. One such refuge is nestled in a remote protected area of the Shark River Inlet between the Belmar Fishing Club and the neighboring town of Avon by the Sea.

According to the Conserve Wildlife Foundation of New Jersey, "Piping plovers, least terns, and black skimmers, referred to collectively as beach nesting birds, are among New Jersey’s rarest and most threatened wildlife species." The American oystercatcher has been named a "species of special concern," and the piping plover has been designated as threatened by the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service since 1986 (source).

Populations of New Jersey's beach nesting birds are sadly declining due to several factors. Predatory birds and animals are taking a toll on bird eggs and hatchlings in particular. Changes to the birds' natural habitats caused by overdevelopment, rising sea levels, and coastal flooding are also negatively impacting nesting sites along the Jersey Shore coastline.

In an Appendix to its 2023 Beach Nesting Bird Project Report, the Conserve Wildlife Foundation of New Jersey shared, "Predation of nests is a primary driving factor of low productivity for all beach-nesting bird species with a conservation status in New Jersey. A number of techniques are already used to mitigate this threat, with varying degrees of success. As predation remains a limiting factor for the recovery of these species despite those approaches, in 2023 NJFW biologists experimented with four novel approaches to mitigate this risk."

Protected area of Belmar beach for endangered coastal nesting birds.

Black skimmers on the beach in Belmar, NJ.

If You See Endangered Beach Nesting Birds On Belmar Beach

Should you come across any of the protected coastal bird habitats while walking on the Belmar Beach, please respect the posted signs and do not disturb the birds' breeding ground. Belmar allows licensed, leashed dogs on the beach from October 1 through April 30. If you're walking your dog near the birds' habitat during this time, please keep your pet out of the roped-off area.

In addition, while we ALWAYS strongly discourage daily beach visitors from leaving their trash on the beach (seriously, who does that?!), cleaning up after yourself is especially important near the birds' breeding area to avoid attracting predators such as gulls, raccoons, foxes and even cats that might harm the vulnerable eggs and chicks.

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The Conserve Wildlife Foundation's beach nesting bird project team, its volunteer breeding bird surveyors, and partner agencies will continue their dedicated efforts to protect these species and their natural habitats. As the conservationists say: "Share the shore" and enjoy the natural beauty of these endangered birds from afar.

Read More

• Conserve Wildlife beach nesting bird project

• New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection beach nesting bird management program

• Black skimmer fact sheet from New Jersey Division of Fish and Wildlife

• NJDEP Endangered Beach Nesting Birds Brochure

Story and images © Christine Cardellino, Belmar Beachcomber Blog, and www.VacationInBelmar.com, 2017 to present. Unauthorized use and/or duplication of this material, including photography, without express and written permission from this site’s author/owner is strictly prohibited. If you wish to use a photograph from this site, full and clear credit must be given to Belmar Beachcomber Blog with appropriate and specific links to the original content.

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Live Like A Local: Rent A Belmar Beach House

Day trips down the shore are fun, but the best way to experience the area is to unpack your bags and stay for a week or two. If you are looking for a clean, quiet getaway for a couple, solo stay, or small family trip, our updated two-bedroom Blue Hydrangea Cottage in Belmar, New Jersey, is the perfect place to relax in serene surroundings at the Jersey Shore.

The house sleeps up to four people and is consistently rated five stars by our guests for its fantastic location, spotless upkeep, and all the thoughtful details that make for an easy beach stay. You can see photos and check open dates on our Blue Hydrangea Cottage rental page.

RELATED: Explore our local Belmar NJ Travel Guide to plan your beach days, dining, and local events.