| The eggs and chicks of beach-nesting birds are well-camouflaged with their surroundings. It is essential that beachgoers and boaters respect posted areas; just because you don’t see the birds, doesn’t mean they aren’t there! © RJ Wiley |
Audubon of Florida is asking people planning to spend time on Florida's beaches this July Fourth holiday weekend to be mindful of roped-off areas and warning signs that have been placed along beaches where colonial and solitary nesting birds are raising their young, as well as at offshore heron and egret nesting areas. Of particular concern are fireworks set off near or toward any bird nesting areas. Fireworks frighten the parent birds away from their nests, leaving the eggs or young vulnerable.
| When beach-nesting birds are flushed from their nests, chicks and eggs are left on the ground, vulnerable to the relentless Florida sun or predators. © RJ Wiley |
Each year along Florida's coast, state and local officials, along with Audubon volunteers and staff, identify and cordon off beach nesting sites to prevent human disturbance which threaten the nesting success of many species of birds including some of Florida's rarest and most charismatic species such as American Oystercatchers, Black Skimmers, and Least Terns. "Chicks on most beaches are still small and vulnerable -- they need to be protected constantly by their parents, and disturbance can destroy a colony” said Monique Borboen, Audubon of Florida staff person for Northeast Florida.
On some Florida beaches this weekend, volunteer “bird stewards” from local Audubon chapters will help chaperone beach nesting bird colonies, and educate beachgoers about these amazing Florida residents. Audubon of Florida asks all Floridians to help protect our state's coastal nesting birds during this crucial chick rearing season by following these simple guidelines this Fourth of July.
- Avoid disturbing group of birds. If birds take flight or appear agitated, you are too close
- Refrain from walking dogs or allowing cats to roam freely on beaches during the nesting season. Dogs and cats are frequent predators of beach-nesting birds.
- Don't let pets off boats onto posted islands or beaches.
- If you must walk your dog on beaches, always keep them on a leash and away from the birds.
- Do not bury or leave trash, picnic leftovers, and fish scraps on the beach. They attract predators of chicks and eggs, such as fish crows, raccoons, foxes, and laughing gulls.
- Do not shoot fireworks near nesting birds.
