GULF SHORES — A killdear bird, a type of plover, was attempting to nest at a spot next to where Nest Fest, a shorebird conservation event, was being held.

A specialist with Alabama Audubon, the conservation group stationed closest to the nest, said the bird showed up after the conservation groups set up their tents. After spotting the bird, she said, specialists at the event created a yellow tape fence around the area to keep people away from the nest, which then served the event with an unplanned live example of nesting bird protocol.

Nest Fest was held to raise awareness of local conservation efforts for shorebirds and other native animals. The picnic area next to Lake Shelby served as the festival site for this celebration.

The event, hosted by Orange Beach Coastal Resources, had interactive education stations featuring groups including Audubon Delta Coastal Stewards, Alabama State Parks, Leave Only Footprints, City of Orange Beach Audubon, Share the Beach and Alabama Audubon.

Specialists with each group taught event attendees about local species and animal-friendly beach practices. Some stations even had bird banding simulations for the younger attendees. The event also had deck chairs placed in front of the stage for guests to enjoy the live music from The Funky Lampshades.

Cortney Weatherby with Alabama Audubon said the main point she focused on telling those who stopped by her table was to "keep your space" from nesting shorebirds.

"We like to say 'fish, swim and play 50 yards away,'" Weatherby said.

She explained that, while sea turtles bury their eggs on the beach, many shorebirds are ground nesters and have little protection for their eggs. Weatherby said once a nest is located it is marked off from the public and bears a bright yellow sign reading "keep out: migratory bird nesting area" in bold print.

The Alabama State Parks specialists spoke to guests about the conservation, recreation and education done through the parks system. They also had pictures of common shorebirds in the area and how to identify different ones.

Hillary Eryan with the Alabama State Parks said the partnerships created by Nest Fest are beneficial to local animal protection efforts.

"We're so glad to have great partners working together in support of the
conservation of shorebirds we share the beach with," Eryan said on Nest Fest.

Chandra Wright with Share the Beach said they had a steady flow of guests throughout the event. The Share the Beach table taught guests about sea-turtle friendly practices for the beach such as using a red flashlight cover or a flashlight with red wavelength to avoid disturbing or disorienting nesting sea turtles.

With several individuals and families in attendance, the 2025 Nest Fest likely gave many people an opportunity to learn about the local shorebirds and other coastal species in a fun and entertaining way.