Scuba divers spend a lot of time in the ocean, but the seashore can just as appealing and full of life. Next time you’re wading in for a shore dive, take a look around at some of these common Atlantic shorebirds that live alongside your ocean friends.
Piping Plover
You’ve seen them scooting along the shore, dashing to and fro as the waves hit and recede upon sandy beaches. The piping plover is a small shorebird found along both the Atlantic coast as well as the Gulf of Mexico. They have pale feathers, tiny yellow legs, and emit a short, high-pitched peep. Human encroachment on nesting grounds has placed this cute little fellow on the endangered species list.
Surf Scoter
With an adorable seagoing name, the surf scoter is a species of duck that commonly winters on both the Pacific and Atlantic coastlines. It is also known by the less flattering nickname of “skunk-headed coot” due to its black and white coloring. This large and stocky diving bird can frequently be seen in groups floating past the breaking waves. They breed near lakes and slow moving rivers and, thanks to protective measures, have a rebounding population after suffering a serious decline in the 20th century.
Brown Pelican
Another common Atlantic shorebird, the brown pelican is easy to spot whether in flight gliding over the waves or bobbing on the surface. Fierce fisherman, they plunge from the air into the water to snatch up their pescara prey. Not too long ago, these graceful divers were near extinction due to overuse of pesticides but have made a stellar recovery, and populations are now flourishing.
Herring Gull
The iconic seagull, this large grey and white bird is one of the most easily recognized by beachgoers. While not endangered, herring gulls are suffering the ill effects of large amounts of plastic trash making its way into our oceans. Seagulls ingest plastic along with the fish they skim from the surface and from around fishing boats, filling their stomachs and causing fatal starvation.
