. Coast watch. Marine resources; Oceanography; Coastal zone management; Coastal ecology. Turtle tidal creeks than the ocean. The oystercatcher is best known for its long red beak, which it uses to open shellfish and prey on small sea- shore creatures. A heavy-bodied bird with white underbelly and black head and back, it doesn't mingle with other species when it feeds. It does, however, nest with terns. Human destruction of nesting grounds used by the oystercatcher and others — such as the skimmer, tern and gull — can take a toll on the vitality of bird populations, says Peter Meyer, author of
. Coast watch. Marine resources; Oceanography; Coastal zone management; Coastal ecology. Turtle tidal creeks than the ocean. The oystercatcher is best known for its long red beak, which it uses to open shellfish and prey on small sea- shore creatures. A heavy-bodied bird with white underbelly and black head and back, it doesn't mingle with other species when it feeds. It does, however, nest with terns. Human destruction of nesting grounds used by the oystercatcher and others — such as the skimmer, tern and gull — can take a toll on the vitality of bird populations, says Peter Meyer, author of Nature Guide to the Carolina Coast. Growth on beaches has forced ground nesters to retreat to the safety of our national parks, estuarine re- serves, spoil banks and uninhabited islands, where their populations have been fairly stable. "We've seen what overbuilding and construction of rigid structures can do, how you lose the beach, lose habitat," Meyer says. "I think we need to open people's eyes to the splendor and the need for protection. North Carolina is making some pretty good efforts compared to other If you can't learn from your mistakes, that would be a ; On the whole, Meyer says, Tar Heel beaches are still among the better protected for its critter communities. That's because people are making that crucial leap from thinking of the coast- line as a daytime spot for sun and fun to a fragile environment worthy of re- spect and long-term care. The small gestures are important. Sea Gull take living creatures home with you and don't destroy their homes. Even an innocent game among children to excavate a ghost crab hole could col- lapse its burrow. "This is (the animals') environ- ment, and we in a sense are intruding in it when we go onto the beach," Powell says. "I tell (children's groups) that we're visiting, and after we leave, the animals have to make -Always leave the beach as you found it, or better. Pick up your
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Keywords: ., bookcentury1900, bookcollectionunclibra, booksubjectoceanography
