Beach Birds

Audubon Florida’s 2022 Coastal Report touted the success of last year’s shorebird nesting season while also fearing declines in future seasons due to climate change

Bird breeding season has begun, and it’s time for Southwest Florida to protect the birds who nest on beaches. Birds that lay their eggs along the shoreline perceive people and dogs as threats. This can cause them to abandon their colonies. Collier County has limited access to some beaches and boating areas like Big Marco CWA, Morgan Beach, and Dickman’s Point. They have temporarily closed Second Chance Wildlife Area. Audubon Florida, a member of the Florida Shorebird Alliance, advises residents and beachgoers to respect posted areas, pick up trash to avoid bird predators, and keep dogs on a leash and away from restricted areas. In the event of dive-bombing from the birds they suggest moving away carefully because it likely means there is a nest nearby.

Shorebird counts on Sanibel and Captiva islands in November were the highest they've been in five years, despite devastation to the region caused by Hurricane Ian in September.

Bird watchers in Southwest Florida are a passionate group and two months after Hurricane Ian, when they don’t see as many of their favorites, birders are worrying that such a huge storm has simply blown birds aside, killing or maiming them on a species-wide scale.The survival capabilities of shorebirds are extraordinary. Whether due to the changes in barometric pressure, storm clouds causing darkness during daylight hours, or other reasons ornithologists don’t understand research shows many birds species jump into literal flight or fight mode when a hurricane is coming.Many birds sense impending doom when a big storm rolls in and they either tuck in somewhere safe, or fly away. Other avian species are strong enough to best even hurricane-force winds, fly right through them, and live to squawk about it.

Birds have begun nesting along the Florida coast. Here’s what you should know to help protect the birds and their ecosystems this spring and summer.Shorebirds and seabirds build their nest in the sand, but be careful – these nests tend to be shallow, and their eggs are difficult to see. The eggs are often camouflaged in the sand, which is a form of predator protection. They can be easily missed and stepped on.

The month of March marks the official start of the beach bird nesting season and Audubon Florida wants beach goers to be careful while hanging out by the…