Having a wild weekend over here with my (very temporary) young ward:
A maximum 48-hour-old White-fronted Plover chick, which a tourist found on the beach.
Before I tell more of this little one's story, a very important PSA:
JUST LIKE A DEER FAWN, IF YOU FIND A BABY SHOREBIRD LIKE THIS ALONE ON THE BEACH, PLEASE LEAVE IT BE!!
They're usually just fine! It's parents & sibling(s) are nearby, waiting for you to pass them & leave the area. Shorebird chicks, being so small, their only defense is their expert-level camouflage. They use this by "crouching" down in the sand, hiding by perfectly blending in & remaining very still to wait out the potential threat, in hopes they'll go unnoticed. They don't need help or rescuing, & once you're far enough away, they'll pop right up, go back to their parents, & continue looking for food. ☻
The best (& very easy) ways to avoid disturbing these little cuties are:
Walk as close to the water line as possible (both the ocean & freshwater, they use both!)
Stay out of the foredunes (hummocks, or small "hills" with sparse vegetation/plants growing on them, which the birds use to hide their nest & chicks in)
In addition to the above, also keep your dog on a lead, and/or away from bird breeding areas during the busy summer season in your local area!
...'cause I mean, how can you not want to ensure the safety of these precious "cotton balls on toothpicks"?!