Share the Beach with Beach-Nesting and Migratory Shorebirds

Human disturbance is a major threat to birds and their young on our beaches.

Stone Harbor Point is a protected conservation area, and an important place for birds year-round.  Beach uses are restricted to protect sensitive species, but ample space is available to enjoy beach combing, shell collecting, walking, jogging, nature observation and fishing. To protect rare and sensitive birds:

Stay out of protective fencing. Never bring dogs or pets to the beach. Do not disturb feeding or resting flocks of birds. Landing of boats or water craft is prohibited at all times. Observe and obey all posted signs. 

Beach-nesting birds Piping Plovers, American Oystercatchers, Least Terns, and Black Skimmers nest and raise their young on Stone Harbor Point. Do your part and give them the space they need. Migratory shorebirds Several species of migratory shorebirds travel thousands of miles to feed and rest on their long journeys between their winter areas in South America and their nesting areas in the Arctic. They arrive hungry and tired and their time here is critical to their survival. Don’t disturb them—it really matters. CONSERVATION IN ACTION A project to improve habitat for coastal birds is underway at Stone Harbor Point.  Elevated sandy habitat areas have been created to protect nests from storm flooding and provide safe resting areas for migratory birds. Protection from predators and disturbance are critical aspects of the project.
The views and conclusions contained in this document are those of the authors and should not be interpreted as representing the opinions or policies of the U.S. Government or the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation and its funding sources.
All photos L. Tedesco unless noted. All rights reserved.

Stone Harbor Point Project to Improve Habitat for Coastal Birds and Increase Resiliency to Future Storms Completed and Beach Reopened

The beach restoration phase of a habitat and coastal resiliency project on Stone Harbor Point was successfully completed ahead of the arrival of piping plovers and the onset of nesting of beach nesting birds. The project teams worked tirelessly through incredibly harsh weather conditions that included severe flooding, high winds and several snowstorms.  In the end, more than 50,000 cubic yards of sand were transferred from the southern end of the point near Hereford Inlet to construct elevated habitat areas for beach-nesting and migratory birds.  Sand harvesting removed the upper 2 feet of sand from just above the high tide line and was used to construct three small platforms that are now above spring tide flooding elevations.  The areas are difficult to detect as they only rise a few feet above the surrounding beach elevation and wind and tides have already sculpted them into a natural-looking beach feature.  The project also enhanced an existing dune to provide protection to the community from southerly approaching storms.  The dune crosses the access road and has been constructed to continue to allow permitted vehicles access to Stone Harbor Point for emergency access, patrols and seasonal fishing. Access to Stone Harbor Point was reopened on March 12th. The restoration is a collaborative project funded by the U.S. Department of Interior’s National Fish and Wildlife Foundation Hurricane Sandy Coastal Resiliency Grant Program. New Jersey Audubon Society is working in partnership with Niles and Associates, LLC., The Wetlands Institute, Conserve Wildlife Foundation of New Jersey, the New Jersey Division of Fish and Wildlife, and the Borough of Stone Harbor. Project updates and additional information can be found at: NJAS project site NJAS Blog Postings Borough of Stone Harbor
Press Release by New Jersey Audubon

New Jersey Audubon and Partners to Restore Stone Harbor Point 

Click here to see updates on the New Jersey Audubon website.