20-02-2025
Tybee Spring Shorebird Festival
TYBEE ISLAND, S.C. (WSAV) — Flock to the beach for THREE days of celebration, education, and action for our coastal feathered friends, hosted by Tybee Island Marine Science Center and Manomet Conservation Sciences.
Through engaging panel discussions and a family-friendly festival on Saturday, February 22, 2025, attendees will learn how to play a critical role in shorebird conservation andmake a difference in their communities.
The incredible migrations of shorebirds—some covering thousands of miles—connectecosystems across continents and play a key role in maintaining ecological balance. Recentstudies have revealed alarming declines in shorebird populations, with over half of NorthAmerican species experiencing a 50% reduction since 1980.
Manomet Conservation Sciences has worked with partners to advance science-driven solutionsfor conserving shorebirds and their habitats. For example, the U.S. population of the AmericanOystercatcher has rebounded, and the Piping Plover shows promising trends. Manomet has ledthe Oystercatcher Recovery Working Group for over a decade, exceeding its original goal of a30% population increase by achieving a 45% rebound, demonstrating the impact of focusedconservation work.
By protecting shorebirds and their habitats, we also safeguard biodiversity, ensure the health ofcoastal communities, and support economic benefits like ecotourism.
Festival Schedule:Thursday, February 20 | 6:30 p.m. – 8:00 Biologist Panel DiscussionHear from renowned experts in shorebird ecology and conservation during this engaging paneldiscussion. Speakers include:● Abby Sterling, PhD, Director, Georgia Bight Shorebird Conservation Effort, ManometConservation Sciences● Allie Hayser, Georgia Bight Shorebird Conservation Specialist at ManometConservation Sciences● Biologists from the Georgia Department of Natural Resources
Panelists will share insights about shorebird ecology, their experiences in the field, and thepressing challenges facing these remarkable birds along Georgia's coast. A Q&A session willallow attendees to engage directly with the experts.
Friday, February 21 | Noon – 2:00 Training and Bird WalkJoin Abby Sterling and Allie Hayser for an immersive bird walk and citizen science trainingsession. Learn to identify local beach birds and contribute to ongoing conservation efforts bycollecting data for the Georgia Coastal Bird Ambassadors program. This hands-on experience isperfect for those eager to help protect shorebirds and their habitats while connecting withnature.
Birds and Brew Happy Hour @ Back River Brewery | 3:00 p.m. – 5:00 other birders, check out resources, and chat about shorebirds with a beer and a bite atTybee Island's premier brewery. 401 1st St., Tybee Island
Saturday, February 22 | 11:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Tybee's First Annual Spring Shorebird FestivalMeet the biologists, students, and community partners that work together on Georgia's coast toprotect these amazing birds. There will be crafts, music, food, partner tables, games, andactivities for all ages
All events take place (except for Friday happy hour) at:Tybee Island Marine Science Center37 Meddin DriveTybee Island, Georgia 31328When:February 20-22, 2025Cost: FREE
Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
