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Ocean Tidal Flats Sandy Beach Dunes Salt Marsh
Coastal dunes form as dry beach sand blows inland. Plants act as a windbreak, trapping sand particles. The dunes become higher and wider as sand accumulates, protecting the coastline during storms. Colonies of common terns and other seabirds make their nests in the shelter of sand dunes. 
CLICK HERE TO SEE SHOREBIRD MIGRATION ROUTES CLICK HERE TO SEE HABITAT MAP OF PLYMOUTH BEACH
Laughing Gull PHOTO: 1 2 3
laughing gull
Laughing Gulls recently returned to nest in the dunes, making Plymouth Beach one of only two places in Massachusetts with breeding Laughing Gulls. Unlike our other common gulls, Laughing Gulls sport black hoods and are characterized by a jeering, laugh-like "song". They can be seen from April to October on the beach's sand flats. You may also see Laughing Gulls in the dunes where they nest from May to August.
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