Flock to the beach for three days of celebration, education, and action for our coastal feathered friends, hosted by Manomet Conservation Sciences and the Tybee Island Marine Science Center.
Through guided beach walks, citizen training, online games, and a family-friendly festival on Saturday, Feb. 21, attendees will learn how to play a critical role in shorebird conservation and make a difference in their communities.
Each spring, Tybee Island becomes a vital stop along one of the greatest wildlife migrations on Earth. Shorebirds arrive from across the hemisphere to rest, refuel, and raise their young on the Georgia coast. For a few months, our coast becomes one of the busiest shorebird highways in the world!
The incredible migrations of shorebirds—some covering thousands of miles—connect ecosystems across continents and play a key role in maintaining ecological balance. Recent studies have revealed alarming declines in shorebird populations, with over half of North American species experiencing a 50% reduction since 1980.
Through the Georgia Bight Shorebird Conservation Initiative, Manomet Conservation Sciences works locally to turn awareness into action. Led by shorebird biologists on the ground, this effort focuses on community-based conservation by training volunteers, conducting surveys, and partnering with local organizations to reduce disturbance and protect critical habitat.
“By protecting shorebirds and their habitats, we also safeguard biodiversity, ensure the health of coastal communities, and support economic benefits like ecotourism,” says Allie Hayser, a local shorebird biologist and event organizer. “Nature-based tourism is part of what makes Tybee so special."
The festival takes place over three days, culminating on Saturday at the Tybee Island Marine Science Center (TIMSC).
What: Second Annual Tybee Island Shorebird Festival
When: February 19-21, 2026
Where: Tybee Island Marine Science Center and various locations
Cost: FREE
Info: tybeeislandmarinescience.org/events
Festival Schedule:
Thursday, February 19
4-5:30pm – Shorebird Walk & Talk @ TIMSC
Join Manomet biologists Abby Sterling and Allie Hayser for an immersive bird walk and citizen science training session. Learn to identify local beach birds and contribute to ongoing conservation efforts by collecting data for the Georgia Coastal Bird Ambassadors program. This hands-on experience is perfect for those eager to help protect shorebirds and their habitats while connecting with nature. Meet at the back gate of the Tybee Island Marine Science Center, 37 Meddin Dr., Tybee Island.
6:30-8pm – Virtual Shorebird Trivia & Beachgoer PSA Short Doc Premiere! Via ZOOM
Join Manomet online for a fun, feather-focused night of shorebird trivia highlighting the incredible birds and conservation work along Georgia’s coast. We will premiere a new short PSA film created for beachgoers visiting the coast this season, sharing simple ways everyone can help protect shorebirds. Registration required: https://www.manomet.org/event/tybee-island-trivia
Friday, February 20
4-6pm – (Shore)Birds and Brew Happy Hour at Back River Brewery, 401 1st St., Tybee Island
Meet other birders, check out resources, and chat about shorebirds with a beer and a bite at Tybee Island’s only brewery. Check out activities and resources from your local bird experts from the Tybee Island Marine Science Center and Manomet Conservation Sciences!
Saturday, February 21
11am-2pm – Second Annual Tybee Island Shorebird Festival
Meet the educators, biologists, students, and community partners that work together on Georgia’s coast to protect our visiting shorebirds. Kids activities, live music from the Surf Clams and The Aloha Joes, food trucks, partner tables, games, and activities for all ages—plus free admission to the science center during the festival! North Beach parking lot in front of TIMSC, 37 Meddin Dr., Tybee Island.
