Shorebird Nesting Season Is Here!
Summer shorebird surveys provide some of our most important data. Data collected during nesting season help us track nesting outcomes, detect population changes, measure the effect of conservation efforts, and refine strategies for population recovery. Did you know that 5 of the shorebird and seabird species nesting in Florida are imperiled species? Every nest is critical!
Here are a few things you can do to help shorebirds succeed this summer:
Give Birds Space: Getting too close can force birds away from their nests or chicks leaving them vulnerable to predators, the elements, or being stepped on! You should walk around resting birds on the sand or at the shoreline (some may be too young to fly!) and avoid landing kayaks and vessels near nesting areas.
Keep Out! Do not enter posted areas, even if you don’t see a bird. Their camouflage helps them blend into nesting habitats like open beach, shell rakes, spoil islands, marsh edges, and more!
Please, No Dogs: Even friendly pups frighten shorebirds and can cause them to abandon their eggs and chicks. If you bring your pet with you, go to a dog-friendly beach where they’re allowed and keep them on a leash far away from nesting or resting birds.
Stash the Trash! Garbage and food scraps attract predators, such as raccoons and crows, that prey on shorebird eggs and chicks.
For more information, resources, and volunteer information in FL: MyFWC.com/Shorebirds
Shorebird images by Brittney Brown, FWC
