SOUTH KINGSTOWN, R.I. (AP) — A shorebird known for its sharp, orange bill and beady eyes is making a comeback in North America thanks to a yearslong conservation effort. The American Oystercatcher was nearly wiped out on the East Coast at the turn of the 20th century due to hunting and egg collecting. But the bird’s numbers have increased by 45% in North America since 2008. Much of the credit for this recovery goes to several nonprofits that raised $10 million. The money went into efforts to boost protections at the birds’ beach nesting sites, including limiting vehicle traffic and roping off beaches during breeding season. Newly banded oystercatcher chicks are released at Trustom Pond National Wildlife Refuge in South Kingstown, R.I., June 19, 2026. Image by Jessica Hill, Associated Press A juvenile oystercatcher is tagged by United States Fish and Wildlife Service Wildlife Biologist Maureen Durkin, left, as Shorebird Crew Lead Mary Bertschi holds the bird at Trustom Pond National Wildlife Refuge in South Kingstown, R.I., June 19, 2026. Image by Jessica Hill, Associated Press United States Fish and Wildlife Service Shorebird Monitor Allison Ruhl carries an adult oystercatcher at Trustom Pond National Wildlife Refuge in South Kingstown, R.I., June 19, 2026. Image by Jessica Hill, Associated Press Shorebird Crew Lead Mary Bertschi of the United States Fish and Wildlife Service tracks down a juvenile oystercatcher that took off running at Trustom Pond National Wildlife Refuge in South Kingstown, R.I., June 19, 2026. Image by Jessica Hill, Associated Press…This article was originally published on Mongabay

From Conservation news via This RSS Feed.