Migratory Shorebirds: Dozens of shorebird species migrate

along the Atlantic Coast every spring

and fall. Some beaches in Connecti-

cut can support thousands of shore-

birds at once!

Priority Species:

Shorebirds at Rest:

Amazing Migrations!

Shorebird Fuel:

Migratory shorebirds must rest to ensure they

have enough energy to make it to their breeding

grounds. Keeping dogs off beaches and walking

around (instead of through) flocks of shorebirds

helps them save energy during migration.

Due to declines in populations, these species

are of special conservation concern.

Shorebirds need to eat a lot in order to fuel their

migration. Horseshoe Crabs spawn on beaches

and their eggs are a critical food source for many

shorebirds. The health of Horseshoe Crab

populations influences the survival of species

such as the Red Knot.

Red Knot

Semipalmated Sandpiper Sanderling

Migratory Shorebirds

Many shorebirds migrate long distances between

wintering and breeding grounds. The migration of

the Red Knot is one the longest. Knots winter as far

south as Tierra del Fuego and breed in the Arctic.

Photo Credit: Dick Daniels Photo Credit: David B. Ledig/USFWS

Photo Credit: Greg Breese/USFWS

Photo Credit: Tim Boman/USFWS

Photo Credit: Pos Robert/USFWS