Look out for nesting coastal birds in the Panhandle

Both the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, and Audubon Florida, are reminding the public that the first shorebird nest of the year has been spotted, and that giving birds their space allows nesting parents to successfully raise the next generation of sea and shorebirds.

Spring and summer mark critical times of year for several vulnerable sea and shorebird species, as they must avoid human disturbance, storms, and predators to successfully raise their chicks. 

Species including snowy plovers, black skimmers, and least terns lay their eggs on the beach. They perceive people as a threat and will take flight whenever beachgoers, or their dogs, approach too closely. Repeated human disturbance often results in birds abandoning the colony, causing the loss of eggs and possibly the end of the nesting season for these beach-nesting birds.

“The beaches in the Florida Panhandle host the highest numbers of nesting snowy plovers in the state,” said Panhandle Shorebird Program Manager Collette Lauzau, “Which is why it’s critical we work together to share the shore.”

While some birds lay their eggs in tree nests, sea and shorebirds lay their eggs right on the sand, where they are very well camouflaged. Visitors to some local beaches in the Florida Panhandle might come across signs that indicate beach-nesting bird sites. Colonies of wading birds, such as herons, will typically nest on mangrove islands off the coast.

Audubon staff works with a team of volunteer beach-nesting bird stewards who point out nesting birds to beachgoers and answer questions.

How to help beach-nesting birds raise their next generation of chicks to adulthood:

• Respect posted areas, even if you don’t see any birds inside.
• If birds dive-bomb you, carefully move away as there is a nest nearby.
• Ensure no trash or food remnants are left behind; stash any trash in proper trash or recycling bins. Garbage and food scraps attract predators, such as raccoons and crows, that prey on shorebird eggs and chicks. Litter on beaches and in the water can entangle birds, turtles and other wildlife. Beachgoers can help beach-nesting birds and other native wildlife by properly disposing of trash and removing personal gear from the beach before nightfall. If fishing, dispose of used line properly, as it can be deadly to waterbirds, sea turtles and other wildlife. To find a monofilament recycling station near you, visit mrrp.myfwc.com.
• Respect local dog ordinances and only take your furry friend to designated dog beaches where they’re allowed, and keep them on a leash and far away from nesting or resting birds. Even well-behaved dogs frighten shorebirds and can cause them to abandon their eggs and chicks. If you bring your pup with you to the shore, go to a dog-friendly beach 
• Before you go, be in the know – check for Critical Wildlife Area closures. Whether boating or on land, watch for signs designating Critical Wildlife Areas on the beach or coastal islands — these areas are closed to public access to protect high concentrations of wading birds and shorebirds while they nest and raise their chicks. You can help nesting birds by giving space and keeping noise volumes low near CWAs.
• Beach-bound? Do the flock walk. Shorebirds and seabirds nest in shallow scrapes in the sand and their eggs and chicks are well-camouflaged, making them vulnerable to being stepped on. Help beach-nesting birds by giving them plenty of space — stay at least 300 feet away from nesting birds, keep out of posted areas, and walk around both individuals and groups of birds on the sand. Getting too close to nesting birds can cause them to fly off, leaving vulnerable eggs and chicks exposed to dangerous elements and predators.

For more information about nesting waterbirds, go to MyFWC.com/Shorebirds and download the “Share the Beach with Beach-Nesting Birds” brochure. Or go to the Florida Shorebird Alliance website at FLShorebirdAlliance.org to learn more about how to participate in shorebird and seabird conservation efforts. Audubon Florida, a nonprofit conservation organization since 1900, believes in a world in which people and wildlife thrive.