As nesting season begins for shorebirds, seabirds, and wading birds in Florida, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) is urging those visiting coastal areas to take steps to help these species succeed during this critical period.
Many shorebird and seabird species nest directly on beaches across the state. Their eggs and chicks are camouflaged in the sand, making them vulnerable to disturbance. Wading birds such as herons typically nest on mangrove islands off the coast.
The FWC emphasizes that beaches and shorelines serve as important habitats for waterbirds to nest, rest, and forage. The agency encourages residents and visitors to follow several guidelines:
“Before you go, be in the know – check for Critical Wildlife Area closures. Whether boating or on land, watch for signs designating Critical Wildlife Areas on the beach or coastal islands – these areas are closed to public access to protect high concentrations of wading birds and shorebirds while they nest and raise their chicks. You can help nesting birds by giving them space and keeping noise volumes low near CWAs.”
“Beach-bound? Do the flock walk. Shorebirds and seabirds nest in shallow scrapes in the sand and their eggs and chicks are well-camouflaged, making them difficult to spot and vulnerable to being stepped on. Help beach-nesting birds by giving them plenty of space – stay at least 300 feet away from nesting birds, keep out of posted areas, and walk around both individual and groups of birds on the sand. Getting too close to nesting birds can cause them to fly off, leaving vulnerable eggs and chicks exposed to dangerous elements and predators.”
“Keep pets at home. Even the best-behaved dogs frighten shorebirds and can cause them to abandon their eggs and chicks. If you bring your pup with you to the shore, go to a dog-friendly beach where they’re allowed, and keep them on a leash and far away from nesting or resting birds.”
“Stash any trash in proper trash or recycling bins. Garbage and food scraps attract predators, such as raccoons and crows, that prey on shorebird eggs and chicks. Litter on beaches and in the water can entangle birds, turtles and other wildlife. Beachgoers can help beach-nesting birds and other native wildlife by properly disposing of trash and removing personal gear from the beach before nightfall. If fishing, dispose of used line properly, as it can be deadly to waterbirds, sea turtles and other wildlife. To find a monofilament recycling station near you, visit MRRP.MyFWC.com.”
Waterbird breeding seasons vary depending on species location within Florida; some begin as early as mid-February while others start later in March or April.
Additional resources about official breeding seasons are available at MyFWC.com/Shorebirds under “Shorebird Nest Dates And Contacts.” The FWC also provides educational materials such as its “Share the Beach with Beach-Nesting Birds” brochure.
For more information about how individuals can contribute to conservation efforts or participate further in protecting these bird populations during nesting season visit MyFWC.com/Shorebirds or FLShorebirdAlliance.org.
The FWC has been shaped by influential figures like Lovett Williams who contributed significantly to wildlife research over its history (source). The commission secures external grants that account for over 40% of its funding supporting vital research projects (source). It also maintains facilities such as the Wildlife Research Laboratory in Gainesville which houses specialized equipment for studies including an alligator egg incubator (source).
Public involvement is encouraged through open access policies designed so communities may participate actively in conservation decisions (source). The agency’s mission centers around protecting Florida’s fish and wildlife resources using research-based approaches (source).
