As spring blooms, some of Florida’s most unique residents are settling into an unusual home: the rooftops of buildings.
Shorebirds and seabirds, like black skimmers, least terns, roseate terns, and American oystercatchers, are increasingly choosing gravel-covered rooftops to build their nests and raise their chicks.
The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) is thanking building owners and managers for supporting these imperiled birds during nesting season, which runs from February 15 to September 1.
Typically, these birds nest on sandy beaches along Florida’s coasts. However, with beaches becoming busier and natural habitats shrinking, rooftops have become a critical alternative. About 50% of Florida’s least tern population now depends on rooftops for nesting, making building owners key players in helping these birds survive.
Nesting season varies across Florida, with some birds, like American oystercatchers, starting as early as February in certain areas. Most rooftop nesting happens between April and September. During this time, the FWC asks building owners to delay routine maintenance or nonemergency repairs until after the nesting season ends in September.
If urgent repairs are needed, owners can contact an FWC Regional Shorebird Biologist for guidance. Contact information is available at MyFWC.com/Shorebirds under “Shorebird Nest Dates and Contacts.”
Even if you don’t own a building, there are ways to help shorebirds and seabirds thrive. If you’re visiting a hotel or business with rooftop-nesting birds, thank the staff for supporting conservation efforts. At the beach, keep at least 300 feet away from nesting birds, walk around flocks, and avoid posted areas. Getting too close can scare birds away, leaving their eggs or chicks vulnerable to predators or harsh weather.
Pet owners should leave dogs at home when visiting beaches where shorebirds nest, as even well-behaved pets can frighten birds. If you must bring your dog, choose a pet-friendly beach and follow leash laws. Properly disposing of trash is also crucial, as food scraps and litter attract predators like raccoons and crows that eat shorebird eggs and chicks.
Beachgoers should also fill in holes in the sand and remove personal items like chairs or umbrellas before sunset to reduce hazards for birds and other wildlife, such as sea turtles.
Fishing line is another danger, as it can entangle birds and other animals. The FWC encourages people to use monofilament recycling stations, which can be found at mrrp.myfwc.com.
The FWC also urges beachgoers and boaters to respect Critical Wildlife Areas, which are marked by signs and closed to the public to protect nesting birds. Keeping noise low and staying far from these areas helps ensure birds can raise their young in peace.
For those eager to get involved, the FWC is looking for volunteers to become Qualified Rooftop Monitors to help track and protect rooftop nests. For more information, visit FWC’s Rooftop Nesting page.
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