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Amidst a mosaic of sun-bleached shells and wind-swept sand, a Wilson’s Plover (Charadrius wilsonia) pauses in the overwash zone of Rachel Carson Estuarine Reserve, a vital habitat along North Carolina’s coastline. This species, known for its short, stout bill specialized for catching small crustaceans, is a breeding-season resident of undisturbed barrier islands and estuaries. With rising sea levels and increasing human activity along shorelines, suitable nesting habitat for Wilson’s Plovers continues to shrink. Conservation efforts within protected reserves help safeguard these delicate environments, ensuring that future generations of shorebirds can continue to thrive in their natural coastal landscapes.