A new report by the South Florida Water Management District said some wading bird species saw a sharp decline during last years’ nesting season.
This annual wading bird report looks at how often and where birds nest in South Florida. Most wading birds, like the white ibis or wood stork, make their homes in the Everglades.
It’s a sign to environmental group that there’s still more work to be done with Everglades restoration.
The snowy egret’s nesting was down 51 percent and the little blue heron’s nesting was down 70 percent from their respective 10 year averages.
Audubon Florida’s Director of Everglades Policy Julie Hill-Gabriel said those numbers tell us something about the Everglades.
“The birds are sending us a message and really we think that message is that the system has been too altered. The Everglades is half its original size and with fewer acres remaining for habitat, the birds are less resilient,” she said.
The report said the wet/dry seasons played a role in those differing numbers.
An abnormally dry season preceded the breeding season. That meant some species did not have as much food and would make fewer nests.
Those conditions were favorable for the white ibis’ food source. Those birds saw 32 percent more nests in 2015 compared to its 10 year average.
Hill-Gabriel said birds would not be as affected by an abnormally rainy or dry season if water patterns return to normal.
