We went down to the south end of Jekyll. This was a wonderful way to see how these birds are gathering. We also saw Molly one of Operation Plover Patrol volunteer on the job.
Here are some pictures taken by another Operation Plover Patrol Volunteer, Janice Browning. 
Walkers unaware of the birds walked right thru the resting bird. Operation Plover Patrol will help folks to appreciate what these birds are doing here.
Cormorants galore They are generally the first to leave when disturbed. 
We put up Wilson’s Plover signs and roped off an area of the critical Wilson’s Plover habitat. 
We have seen two pairs of Wilson’s setting up territories in the area. This is a positive first step for bird conservation and Operation Plover Patrol on the island. This looking toward the ocean and the fencing.
I am very excited to have The Georgia Sea Turtle Center, Coastal Georgia Audubon, The Jekyll 4-H working with Jekyll’s New Director of Conservation, Ben Carswell. 
They are so pretty.
was just hanging out with a pile of turtles. 
Now I am back to work.
This year it is a simple task of watching the birds at the south end. There is a survey form that I created, that I ask the volunteers to fill out as they watch. The survey times are around high tide. I schedule the time so the volunteers gets there a little before high tide. Then for two hours, you watch. It is very easy. I just want you to watch and record what you see happening.
The resting Sanderlings and Ruddy Turnstone thank the volunteers
The male Wilson's Plovers gets his nap because the volunteers are there.
They were heading out to watch the changing of the guard at the rookery pond. 
These folks were here for the week. I ran into them at several of the key birding area. They were having a very good time, birding, shopping and walking around the Historic District. To the group, thanks for birding Jekyll. It was great to see you all having a good time on Jekyll.
Here is a pair of Wilson's Plovers near Jekyll Point. See how they blend into the beach.
The south end of Jekyll is a very important area for resting shorebirds, gulls and terns. There has been increasing use of this beach by a wide variety of people. They use the beach for a wide range of acceptable and unacceptable recreational activities. The unacceptable activities increase the pressure on these already stress birds. There is a need for public education to help give people a positive experience and allow the birds to rest and nest. 
If you are in the area and want to help with this survey let me know. Also if you want to help fund this program, the Jekyll Island Foundation has a special fund set up. It is called Operation Plover Patrol. 
What is interesting is the number of American Oystercatchers that are down there. Several times they have counted 100 just on the beach. We just had 65 on Thursday.
Also the Wilson’s plovers have arrived. The season has begun.