Areas closer to the fore-dune may have some tufts of beach grasses. Ecology of Beach-Nesting Birds Least Terns, Common Terns, Black Skimmers, and occasionally Wilson's Plovers nest in colonies which may range in size from a few to several hundred pairs. A colony will sometimes consist of several different species of colonial shorebirds. For example, Black Skimmers often nest in colonies of terns, plovers and gulls. Piping Plovers are solitary nesters, but they may locate their nests near a colony of terns.
Researchers believe birds form colonies for two major reasons.
Another reason is younger birds living in colonies seem to learn better foraging skills from older, more experienced birds. The nesting period begins in late April and runs through late August. The nests of all these birds are little more than shallow depressions in the sand. Some species, such as the Common Tern, will line the nest with grass, shells and seaweed. Piping Plovers will camouflage the vicinity of their nest with bits of shell and driftwood.