Page 109 - Play Coastal Mississippi - Spring & Summer, 2026

And when adults leave the nest, even briefly, eggs and chicks are left exposed to heat, predators, and danger. The threat doesn’t have to be intentional. It just has to be close.
Here’s the hopeful part: this is one of those rare conservation stories where small human changes can make a big difference.
Least Terns are what scientists call colonial nesters, meaning they nest in groups rather than alone. They usually lay one to three eggs, which are incubated for about 20 to 25 days.
During that time, adult birds perform some truly impressive feats—like wetting their belly feathers in the Gulf and returning to the nest to cool their eggs in the summer heat. It’s parenting meets problem-solving, beach edition. But their numbers are declining.
The good news? Active stewardship, education, and advocacy are already helping and there’s plenty of room for more people to join in.
Protecting least terns doesn’t require grand gestures. It starts with space. Giving birds room to nest and behave naturally is one of the most powerful tools we have along with respecting posted nesting areas. If birds react to your presence, you’re too close.
Leash dogs and follow local ordinances. Dispose of trash and fishing line properly—wildlife entanglement is real and
preventable. Skip feeding wildlife, even if it feels kind. Feeding other birds attracts predators like gulls and crows, which are known to prey on least tern eggs and chicks. And if possible, avoid fireworks and noisy activities near nesting colonies during breeding season.
Then there’s the extra-credit option—get involved. Volunteers play a vital role in protecting these birds, helping monitor nesting areas and educate beachgoers. And advocacy matters more than people think. Talking about least terns— at cookouts, on social media, with visiting friends—helps normalize shared responsibility for Mississippi beaches.
Because here’s the truth—Coastal Mississippi isn’t just a vacation backdrop. It’s a nursery. Every summer, these tiny travelers choose Coast sand to start the next chapter of their journey. The least tern doesn’t need much—just a little room, a little awareness, and a community willing to notice the smallest bird doing one of the biggest jobs on the beach.
Contact mscoastalbirds@audubon.org if you’d like to help protect least terns or learn more about volunteering.
Sometimes conservation doesn’t roar. Sometimes it peeps quietly from the sand and waits for people to pay attention.
COASTALMISSISSIPPI.COM SPRING/SUMMER 2026 I PLAY COASTAL MISSISSIPPI 109