Birds join spring breakers in flocking to Texas beaches
Texas beaches are for the birds — literally. And for the people, too. Texas is unique among coastal states in that it has open beaches, which means the public has the right to access state beaches, even if the stretch in question is privately owned. That’s been the case by tradition, for generations; by law, since 1959; and even more emphatically by law since 2009, when state voters overwhelmingly opted to enshrine the Open Beaches Act into the Texas Constitution.
So now that spring break is here, Audubon Texas wants to offer some tips on how beachgoers can coexist peacefully with the brown pelicans, American oystercatchers, roseate spoonbills and other species you may encounter along the Texas Gulf Coast at this time of year.
It’s nesting season for many of these birds, notes Lisa Gonzalez, executive director of Audubon Texas. That means it’s a critical time for birds.
Certain species, such as the black skimmer, are experiencing population declines due to habitat loss and human disturbance.
Here’s what Audubon Texas advises:
• Respect posted signs. Certain areas will be marked as breeding grounds.
• While pets are permitted on some beaches, they should still be leashed and kept away from birds.
• Take your trash with you when you leave. Plastics can be ingested by birds, with adverse consequences. Food scraps can attract predators that might eat eggs and/or chicks.
• Don’t drive on beach dunes or other nesting areas.
• Give birds their space — 100 feet, ideally. For those of you who don’t bring your measuring tape on vacation, Audubon Texas notes, that works out to six kayaks, 16 beach towels or 20 dog leashes.
Around the world, Audubon Texas says, the seabird population has decreased by 70 percent since 1950 — and shorebirds in North America have seen an even steeper decline.
“It’s time to help our coastal birds by giving them the space they need to nest and raise their chicks,” said Gonzalez, with Audubon Texas.