A Decadal Change in Shorebird Populations in Response to Temperature, Wind, and Precipitation at Hilton Head Island, South Carolina, USA

A Decadal Change in Shorebird Populations in Response to Temperature, Wind, and Precipitation at Hilton Head Island, South Carolina, USA

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Despite increasing conservation efforts for shorebirds, there are widespread declines in many shorebird species in North America.Climate change is causing significant shorebird range shifts and population declines.This study investigates the relationship between meteorological variability and shorebird population dynamics over ten years (2014–2023) at Fish Haul Beach, Hilton Head Island, beer button down shirts for men South Carolina, USA.Shorebirds, reliant on specific habitats for breeding and foraging, are increasingly vulnerable to climate-driven changes, including shifts in temperature, precipitation, and wind speed.

Using Generalized Additive Models with Poisson distribution, we analyzed species-specific count data for 12 shorebird species in relation to annual meteorological variables.Additionally, the Mann–Kendall test and Sen’s slope were employed to assess decadal trends in population counts.The results reveal significant declines in Black-bellied Plover (Pluvialis squatarola), Marbled Godwit (Limosa fedoa), and Willet (Tringa semipalmata).In contrast, Semipalmated Plover (Charadrius semipalmatus) and Piping Plover (Charadrius melodus) here showed increasing trends, indicating potential habitat benefits or conservation success.

Temperature emerged as a key driver affecting the abundance of several species, while precipitation and wind speed also played crucial roles in shaping population dynamics.Our findings underscore the sensitivity of shorebird populations to weather fluctuations, emphasizing the need for integrating meteorological variability into management strategies to ensure shorebird conservation.This study provides critical insights into the impacts of meteorological variables on migratory shorebird populations along the Atlantic Flyway.It highlights the importance of maintaining healthy coastal ecosystems in South Carolina.