Watch out for shorebirds on Sarasota beaches this spring break – snn
Francesco Abbruzzino, The Uncensored Report, LLC
Sarasota County
Spring break approaches next week, and while locals and tourists alike flock to our beautiful beaches, so do our state-threatened shorebird and seabird species who are starting to breed. There are four state-threatened focal species of shorebirds and seabirds in Florida: the American oystercatcher, snowy plover, black skimmer and least tern.
Florida’s official shorebird nesting season begins on Feb. 15, but in the Sarasota, area most nesting starts in March for shorebirds and April for seabirds. Remember, these birds are protected by law and their cryptic nests and camouflaged eggs, laid directly on top of the sand, are very vulnerable to disturbances. While visiting the beaches, always abide by signs at posted nesting areas, walk around groups of birds and avoid walking through the dunes as this is where the birds tend to nest.
In the early nesting season, some nests may not be documented yet and therefore aren’t roped off. You can report any nesting activity or wildlife violations to MyFWC Florida Fish and Wildlife at their Wildlife Alert Hotline: 888-404-3922 (FWCC)