Beaches and dunes provide feeding, resting and nesting areas for many species of seabirds and shorebirds. The North Inlet – Winyah Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve, in partnership with the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources, has erected signs within the Reserve on dune, beach and high sand-shell property to protect shorebird nests. Due to the sensitive nature of the colonies, areas behind bird nesting signs are closed from April 1-October 15 each year providing sufficient time for the chicks to fledge.

The Reserve monitors shorebird populations in North Inlet through field surveys during the spring and fall migrations. Regular monitoring provides key information that guides conservation efforts. Data from our local surveys contributes to an international database that is used to evaluate population trends and the status of species.

The NI-WB Reserve also hosts trainings for the Audubon Shorebird Stewards volunteers, as well as shorebird field identification workshops.