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| Sandy beaches are dynamic systems, constantly reshaped by shifting sands from wind, ocean waves and currents. Shorebirds that breed in this habitat lay their eggs in shallow scrapes in the sand, and forage for food in beach wrack. During winter months, sandy beaches frequently become cobble shores. |
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| Black Skimmer |
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| At the northern end of its breeding range, the Black Skimmer is one of Massachusetts' most rare breeding birds. From time to time a pair may nest at the tip of Plymouth Beach. Interestingly, the French explorer, Champlain first described this species when he passed by Plymouth in 1606. The Black Skimmer has a specialized bill in which the upper mandible is shorter than the lower, enabling it to catch small fish while skimming the water in flight. |
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