- The July 4th holiday is one of the most popular days to visit the beach, with tens of thousands of beachgoers expected.
- In 2024, illegal firework activity near the Santa Ana River mouth was the likely cause of a massive colony abandonment of California least terns.
- An increased presence of government agencies and nonprofit partners will monitor the river mouth and Huntington State Beach on the holiday to protect sensitive shorebirds.
HUNTINGTON BEACH, CA – As Southern California beaches prepare for one of the busiest holidays of the year, July 4th, a coalition of environmental nonprofits and public agencies is urging beachgoers to celebrate responsibly to protect beach-nesting birds near sensitive habitats like the Santa Ana River mouth and Huntington State Beach’s Least Tern Natural Preserve.
On July 4th, 2024, a fireworks incident near this area likely caused a massive colony abandonment among California least terns, an endangered seabird species that nests along the coast each summer. By July 9, surveyors confirmed that the colony was effectively abandoned, jeopardizing the immediate and long-term population growth of this species.
This year, a coalition including Orange County Coastkeeper, OC Habitats, Huntington Beach Wetlands Conservancy, and Sea and Sage Audubon Society, in support of California State Parks, is taking action. Increased enforcement, public education, and on-the-ground monitoring will aim to prevent similar disturbances and ensure the protection of nesting birds.
“The Santa Ana River mouth is a critical breeding site for California least terns, western snowy plovers, and other shorebirds,” said Ray Hiemstra, Associate Director of Policy and Projects at Orange County Coastkeeper. “But these birds are incredibly vulnerable to human activity, especially loud noises, dogs off-leash, and fireworks. Even well-meaning recreation can have devastating consequences.”
California least terns are listed as endangered at both the state and federal levels. Western snowy plovers are federally threatened and considered a “species of special concern” in California. These birds have nested at the Santa Ana River mouth for thousands of years, but even brief human disturbance can cause them to flee, abandoning eggs or chicks in the process. Species experts and site monitors determined that in 2024, nest failure was due mainly to predation and non-viability, likely brought on by colony unattendance due to fireworks and associated disturbance.
The Santa Ana River mouth, nestled between Huntington State Beach and Newport Beach, is a popular place for visitors to enjoy the sand and water. However, illegal off-leash dog activity is common and poses a huge threat to shorebirds, as dogs resemble natural predators like coyotes and can trigger instinctive flight responses. Beachgoers can help protect these sensitive species by following these guidelines:
- Refrain from using fireworks near beaches or protected coastal areas. Fireworks are banned at Huntington State Beach, throughout all of Newport Beach, and along the coast of Huntington Beach.
- Keep dogs leashed and away from nesting and restricted zones. Dogs are not permitted in the river channel or on Huntington State Beach.
- Pack out your trash and avoid disturbing dunes and sandbars.
- Respect posted signs and roped-off nesting areas.
California State Parks will have additional enforcement officers throughout the July 4th weekend. The coalition urges partner land management agencies, including the City of Newport Beach, City of Huntington Beach, County of Orange, and California Department of Fish and Wildlife, to assist in protecting this vital habitat.
“This is about coexisting,” said Stacey Chartier-Grable, Executive Director at OC Habitats. “We all love our beaches. Taking small, respectful actions ensures that future generations of people and birds can continue to enjoy them.”
