As spring blooms across the Sunshine State, Florida’s shorebirds, seabirds, and wading birds are gearing up for one of their most critical times of the year: breeding season.
You can often see these birds around Sebastian and Vero Beach, near the Indian River Lagoon, or on the beaches along both sides of Sebastian Inlet. The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) is urging beachgoers, boaters, and nature lovers to take simple steps to ensure these feathered residents have a successful nesting season, which has already begun in parts of the state and will continue through the summer.
From the public beaches where shorebirds and seabirds lay their eggs to the mangrove islands hosting colonies of wading birds like herons, Florida’s coastlines are bustling with avian activity. The timing of this nesting season varies depending on the species and region—some birds, such as certain shorebirds, started as early as mid-February, while others won’t begin until March or April.
For exact dates and species-specific details, the FWC directs folks to their Shorebird Breeding Seasons website. These coastal birds aren’t just scenic spots for a day out—they’re vital for the survival of waterbirds, serving as nesting, resting, and feeding grounds.
That’s why the FWC is calling on the public to pitch in and help protect these vulnerable populations. “Anyone enjoying time near the shore can play a big part in their conservation and nesting success,” the agency told Sebastian Daily.
So, what can you do to give these birds a fighting chance? The FWC has laid out a handful of practical, waterbird-friendly tips.
For starters, keep an eye out for Critical Wildlife Areas (CWAs)—designated zones on beaches and coastal islands that are closed to the public during nesting season. These areas safeguard high concentrations of nesting shorebirds and wading birds, and signs will mark where access is off-limits. Whether you’re boating or strolling along the shore, respecting these closures, keeping your distance, and lowering the volume on noise can make a world of difference.
If you’re hitting the beach, the FWC suggests practicing what they call the “flock walk.” Shorebirds and seabirds nest in shallow scrapes in the sand, and their eggs and chicks blend almost invisibly into their surroundings. That camouflage, while a natural defense, leaves them at risk of being accidentally stepped on.
To avoid this, stay at least 300 feet away from nesting birds, steer clear of posted areas, and walk around both lone birds and flocks rather than cutting through them. Getting too close can spook the adults into flight, leaving their eggs and chicks exposed to predators or scorching heat.
Pets are another factor to consider. Even the friendliest dogs can scare nesting birds into abandoning their young, so the FWC advises leaving pups at home. If you can’t resist bringing Fido along, stick to dog-friendly beaches, keep him leashed, and ensure he stays far from nesting or resting birds.
Trash is a less obvious but equally serious threat. Leftover food scraps and litter attract predators like raccoons and crows, which prey on eggs and chicks. Discarded fishing line poses an even deadlier hazard, entangling birds, sea turtles, and other wildlife. Beachgoers can help by stashing trash in proper bins, taking gear home at the end of the day, and disposing of used monofilament line at recycling stations.
Florida’s waterbirds face many challenges from human activity, and the FWC hopes these small actions will add up to big wins for conservation. For those eager to dive deeper, the agency’s website offers a downloadable brochure, Share the Beach with Beach-Nesting Birds, packed with more info.
The Florida Shorebird Alliance (FLShorebirdAlliance.org) is another resource for anyone looking to get involved in protecting these species.
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