Nesting habitat for the American oystercatcher will be temporarily off-limits at Cape Hatteras National Seashore./NPS

As shorebirds prepare to nest on beaches at Cape Hatteras National Seashore, several areas of the North Carolina park will be deemed temporarily off-limits to protect the breeding habitat. These pre-nesting areas will be marked by April 15 and are not expected to impede off-road vehicle or pedestrian access.

During the winter, Seashore staff conducted annual assessments of preferred nesting locations for piping plover, Wilson’s plover, American oystercatcher, and colonial nesting waterbirds. As the birds arrive, the restricted areas could be modified depending on where breeding territories are established. The closures are posted at each location to provide the most accurate and up-to-date indication of access status.

Updated maps and information will be available on the park’s website.

The park encourages visitors to observe these unique breeding activities from a safe distance to help ensure the continued survival of these species.