Geoscience Reference
In-Depth Information
choose these open areas so that they can have an unobstructed view of any approaching predators. At the same
time, they must choose a site above the high-tide wrack line to prevent their nest and eggs from being washed
out to sea.
Larger beach nesters, like common terns and black skimmers, choose sites in the swales between the dunes,
where the beach grass and other beach plants provide some shade and shelter from sun and rain as well as
predators. They nest in larger numbers than the least terns and so provide their own defense of territory. On the
highest ground, where shrubs and bushes overlook the dunes, herons, egrets, and ibises jockey for their nest
sites. The largest species, such as the great egret, take the highest and safest sites, and the smaller snowy
egrets, night herons, and glossy ibises settle for the more vulnerable lower sites.
Least terns share their beach nesting sites with recreational users.
