Audubon Florida seeking shorebird stewards

Do you like the beach? Do you want to help our coastal wildlife survive? Become a part of the statewide efforts to help protect Florida’s beach-nesting shorebirds.

It’s that time of year again when Florida’s rare shorebirds are nesting on our beaches and bird stewards are needed.  Did you know beach-nesting birds like Snowy Plovers, Black Skimmers, American Oystercatchers and Least Terns lay their eggs on top of the sand and raise their young on our local beaches? Chicks less than 6 inches tall can be seen feeding along dunes, coastal lakes and the tidal zone.

While they are adapted to survive this harsh environment of sun, sand, and salt with protection from their parents, chicks and eggs struggle to survive when beach-goers inadvertently flush parents from their nests. Left exposed to the harsh sun and predators, one disturbance can spell disaster for these vulnerable chicks. Florida Park Service, Audubon Florida, FWC, DOD, USFWS, Volunteers other partners all work together with communities to help these species survive.

Across the Panhandle, Audubon staff, partners and volunteers will be leading beach walks for the public to learn more about these signature Florida birds and/or participate in volunteer training. Locations vary and dates may include May 3, 4, 10, 11th, 17 and 18th. Space is limited, so contact Bonnie Samuelsen to learn more about an opportunity near you: bsamuelsen@audubon.org (850-866-7152).

Sites will vary from weekend to weekend depending upon where active nesting is occurring, but may include: