Audubon Delta

Today Audubon Delta hosted Congressman Mike Ezell, Senator Cindy Hyde-Smith, and Senator Roger Wicker staff to share how we are working year-round to ensure coastal MS’s beaches and barrier islands are healthy, safe spaces for birds and people.

Part of a global network, our Motus tower in Gulfport is helping to monitor tagged birds that visit MS from far and near—providing crucial science to better inform conservation efforts and investments while sharing the wonder of migrating birds to support our state’s nature tourism.

We appreciate our Congressional leaders’ attention to crucial conservation matters for MS, such as protecting our coastal landscapes, sustaining our MS Sound, and restoring our urban green spaces.

Each spring, least terns return to the Gulf Coast—traveling thousands of miles from Central and South America to nest right here on our beaches.

Along the Mississippi coast, these federally protected birds depend on safe, undisturbed nesting areas to raise their chicks. That’s why Audubon Delta teams are out on the sand placing signage and working with communities to protect these vulnerable colonies through the busy summer months.

“They come spend the summer with us just like your average tourists, but they’re not just here to enjoy the beach, they are here to raise their families,” said Jessica Martin, Audubon stewardship manager.

These beaches support over 20% of the Gulf’s breeding population, according to stewardship coordinator Amanda Douglas—making protection efforts more important than ever.

🐦 Please respect posted nesting areas and give birds space.

Least terns return to South Mississippi beaches for nesting season Least terns return to South Mississippi beaches for nesting season

Spring migration is underway, and World Migratory Bird Day on May 9 is a chance to celebrate the incredible journeys of birds across the Delta.

Earlier this month at the Little Rock Audubon Center, a single morning bird walk recorded 53 species, with banding efforts highlighting how vital this region is for migratory birds.

When we care for the Delta, we support birds across the hemisphere.