Coastal Conservation


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Beach-nesting birds, such as terns and plovers, are struggling to survive in Florida, often because of the intense disturbance by recreational beachgoers. Flushed from their camouflaged nests in the sand, adult birds watch helplessly as eggs and chicks are exposed to the hot sun and predators, or are crushed by unwary pedestrians, dogs or drivers.

One Florida beach species, the threatened Least Tern, has found a partial solution: many now choose to nest on gravel rooftops. However, these “beaches in the sky” have their own perils: chicks fall off roofs and perish. Audubon Florida's Rooftop Program and “chick-checking” volunteers return these fallen chicks to their rooftops to rejoin their parents. Audubon staff work with building owners outside the nesting season to install fencing along unprotected rooftop edges to keep chicks from falling in subsequent seasons. Recognizing this is only an interim solution—because rooftops are no replacement for real beach habitat— we also help by encouraging public land managers to protect beach nesting areas, and we staff the posted areas on busy weekends with volunteer bird stewards, who act as ambassadors for the birds.

Here at Audubon, we recruit volunteers to assist with on-the-ground wildlife and habitat management. The benefits to wildlife are immediate and connect people with nature. This connection is a gateway for volunteers to quickly become educated on regional conservation issues, stay engaged for longer tenures, and move from volunteerism to advocacy.

Coastal Bird Stewardship
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Coastal Bird Stewardship

Florida's beaches and shores are vital to many different bird species throughout the year. And they need your help.

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Florida Coastal Islands Sanctuaries
Conservation

Florida Coastal Islands Sanctuaries

The mission of the Florida Coastal Islands Sanctuaries is the protection of the great colonial waterbird populations of the Florida coast, and the natural systems that support them.

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News & Updates

The Least Tern, a Fascinating Bird That Needs Our Help
News

The Fascinating Least Tern

Each summer I look forward to the return of the Least Terns and my time with them on the beach.

Shorebird Nesting Habitat Restoration Completed
Coastal Conservation

Shorebird Nesting Habitat Restoration Completed

Two sections of the relic St. George Island Causeway are ready for the birds!

Holiday Inn at Lido Key Partners with Audubon Bird Stewardship
News

Holiday Inn at Lido Key Partners with Audubon Bird Stewardship

Black Skimmers and bird stewards benefit from Holiday Inn partnership

One Tough Survivor: Piping Plover A97
News

One Tough Survivor: Piping Plover A97

The tale of a "snowbird" that survived 140+ mph winds

Algae, Algae Everywhere – Florida’s Water Crisis Makes Headlines Across the Country
News

Algae, Algae Everywhere – Florida’s Water Crisis Makes Headlines Across the Country

Starving chicks, dead fish, and coughing fits are all signs that something is wrong.

Sharing the Shores: What You Can Do To Help Baby Beach Birds
Coastal Conservation

Sharing the Shores: What You Can Do To Help Baby Beach Birds

With a little consideration, people and birds can enjoy Florida's beaches together.

New Signs on Florida Beaches Encourage Beachgoers to Leave the Personal Fireworks at Home
Coastal Conservation

New Signs on Florida Beaches Encourage Beachgoers to Leave the Personal Fireworks at Home

Independence Day is a special time of year as millions of Floridians and visitors enjoy Florida’s iconic beaches. Celebrating with hot dogs, fireworks, and abundant sunshine, the Fourth of July is a dream holiday for people but can be a nightmare for birds.

Anastasia State Park’s Least Tern Colonies Show Early Success Despite Challenges
Coastal Conservation

Anastasia State Park's Least Tern Colonies Show Early Success Despite Challenges

Largest Least Tern colony in Northeast Florida benefits from Audubon bird stewardship

A Community Comes Together for Seabirds Nesting on the Navarre Causeway
News

A Community Comes Together for Seabirds Nesting on the Navarre Causeway

Across the state at many important nesting sites, Audubon biologists and volunteers steward rare coastal birds and work to protect them from harm.

Riders on the Storm
Coastal Conservation

Hurricane Irma bird survival stories

Two Piping Plover and one American Oystercatcher survival stories following Hurricane Irma

How you can help, right now