Birding on the Beach

People aren't the only ones who enjoy a beach day. Our winged friends do too. Many bird species can be found on Cumberland's shoreline. Gulls and terns abound. Black skimmers can be seen in large groups as well. Their longer lower mandible is a giveaway. They are often seen skimming the ocean surface and dipping their lower mandible into the water to catch prey. Sanderlings and plovers scurry to avoid oncoming waves and return to search for invertebrates that the waves bring. Willets, on their lanky stilts for legs, scour the washed over sand for crustaceans. Brown pelicans and osprey divebomb from above to snag a fish in the surf. During bird migration, possibilities are endless for bird sightings. In the fall, many birds make their way south to warmer climates where there are more food options. They often stop over on Cumberland to rest before continuing on. During spring migration, as food becomes more available at higher latitudes, the opposite occurs. Bird species fly north to their breeding grounds as far as the arctic, often stopping over on Cumberland Island along the way. If you're visiting in the spring or fall, you may get the chance to see these transients on their stop over. Now, we know your beach towel will be on your Cumberland packing list. Why not your binoculars?