Florida's shorebirds need your help! Birds like Snowy Plovers, Black Skimmers and American Oystercatchers are easily disturbed - you can make a difference for these iconic Florida birds right away. In a recent press release, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission encouraged beachgoers to be courteous of our wonderful shorebirds throughout nesting season. Check out their important guidelines below and do you part to protect Florida's natural heritage.
- Keep your distance.If birds become agitated or leave their nests, you are too close! A general rule is to stay at least 300 feet from a nest.
- Respect posted areas.Some shorebird nesting areas are posted with “symbolic fencing,” which consists of signs on posts connected by twine marked with flagging tape. Avoid marked nesting areas and cross only at designated pathways. These posted beach areas may shift during the nesting season, depending on where the birds have chosen to lay eggs at any given time.
- Never intentionally force birds to fly.When birds are chased or disturbed, they use energy they need for nesting and migration.
- Keep pets away from nesting areas.Even well-behaved pets can be perceived as a threat. If you take pets to the beach, keep them leashed and away from nesting areas.
- Keep the beach clean and do not feed wildlife.Food scraps attract predators such as raccoons, gulls and crows to our beaches. Litter can entangle birds, sea turtles and other wildlife.
- Spread the word. If you see people disturbing nesting birds, gently let them know how their actions may hurt the birds’ survival. If they continue to disturb nesting birds, please report their activities to the FWC’s Wildlife Alert hotline at 888-404-FWCC (3922), #FWC or *FWC on your cell phone or by texting Tip@MyFWC.com.
