Twenty-five years ago when I started coming to this beach, I was lucky to see a few birds here and there. But then, conservationists started roping off nesting areas and protecting breeding grounds from the walkers and dogs who frequent the beach.
According to the signs posted, the areas were protecting piping plovers. These are tiny birds, about 4” high, who tiptoe up and back with the waves, chasing sand crabs and other small shellfish who live in the tidal zone. They are skittish by nature, all atwitter over the tiny waves that break at their feet. To watch them is to be amused by their comical dance with each wave, traipsing up and back.
But the roped off areas protected more than piping plovers. Now we have big clouds of birds—sandpipers, gulls, terns, loons, and oystercatchers. Then in the late summer, great flocks of migrating swallows arrive, darting and swooping like a scarf dancing in the wind.
You don’t have to be a conservationist to marvel at these flocks. But personally, I am grateful for the conservationists who carefully walk the beach spring and early summer, roping off the nesting areas so that these birds can thrive. The beach is more beautiful for their presence. We and the birds share the same beaches, and being respectful of each other helps everyone enjoy the world we share together.
This is Day 4 of My Gratitude Project. This year I’m focusing on what we share.
#gratitude #joy #enjoy #whatweshare #unity #mygratitudeproject #lisadfostercoach
