We surveyed for and monitored nesting Snowy Plovers, American Oystercatchers, Least Terns, and Black Skimmers along mainland and barrier island beaches and nearshore islands during 2018-2025. Prior to 2018, there was limited information available on the breeding population sizes and reproductive success of shorebirds in Alabama. There were censuses conducted throughout the state, with the most recent in 2015; however, these data did not provide information on the numbers of nests or fledglings. Our first five years consisted largely of monitoring to collect baseline data on reproductive success. Most species had low productivity
across years, with causes of nest failure and chick loss including severe weather events and depredation. In 2023 we started implementing protective measures for nesting Snowy Plovers on Dauphin Island, which resulted in increased hatching success. While habitat loss, human disturbance, and depredation continue to be threats to nesting success, our monitoring efforts are leading towards the identification of management strategies that can help increase productivity
for these species of conservation concern.