By Libby Sutton, Conservation Technician
Expanding Shorebird Monitoring Efforts
Jekyll Island’s shorebird conservation efforts continue to grow as staff expand monitoring and habitat research across the island. Shorebird surveys are conducted to monitor populations and better understand migration routes and timing, patterns of habitat use, and overall population trends. This monitoring also supports the recovery of imperiled species by identifying critical stopover and foraging habitats and informing conservation and management actions that reduce threats and improve long-term survival.
To support this work, the Conservation Department participates in the International Shorebird Survey (ISS), a long-term, volunteer-based monitoring program coordinated through Manomet. Jekyll Island contributes monthly counts following ISS protocols, adding to a broader dataset that documents seasonal shorebird use and population change over time. This year, shorebird surveys have increased from only a few surveys annually to 1–2 surveys each month to better document shorebird aggregations and habitat use across the island in different seasons.
Protecting Wilson’s Plovers
Since 2015, the Conservation Department has worked to better understand and protect Wilson’s Plovers (WIPL), a shorebird listed as threatened in Georgia. Regular nest monitoring, tracking, and habitat protection efforts have helped document the importance of Jekyll Island’s beaches and dunes as critical nesting habitat for WIPL.
Throughout the nesting season, weekly nest checks allow staff to monitor nesting activity, success, and potential threats. While the season is still in its early stages, conservation staff have already confirmed five nests, with three still actively incubating.
New Focus on Wading Bird Nesting
In addition to shorebird monitoring, bird conservation work on Jekyll Island is expanding into wading bird nesting. The Conservation Department is now surveying nesting colonies to identify the ponds, vegetation communities, and habitat features most frequently used by nesting wading birds.
Across five monitoring sites, staff have already confirmed 15 active wading bird nests this season. These efforts will help guide future habitat management and restoration projects, with the long-term goal of improving nesting opportunities for species such as the Wood Stork. Together, these initiatives continue to strengthen Jekyll Island’s role as an important refuge for coastal bird conservation.
Powered by Support
These monitoring efforts are made possible through the Jekyll Island Foundation, which has helped provide critical field equipment used during these surveys, including a new spotting scope.
Help Protect Jekyll Island’s Coastal Birds
The success of these conservation efforts depends on continued community support. Your gift helps fund essential monitoring, habitat protection, and research that directly impacts the survival of threatened coastal bird species.
Make a difference today—support Jekyll Island’s conservation work by clicking HERE.
