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Shorebird chick hatching during nesting season.
Spring is here and with it comes a variety of wildlife on area beaches and in waterways. Residents and visitors should be on the lookout for shorebirds nesting on area beaches, while boaters should be aware of manatees and sea turtles in local waterways.
“March marks the official start of shorebird nesting season in Escambia County,” said Community Outreach Specialist Samantha Bolduc. “Beachgoers on Perdido Key and Pensacola Beach should be aware birds may be nesting in new areas, thanks to Hurricane Sally altering dune and beach habitats.”
Several species of shorebird nest on area beaches March-September, including least terns, black skimmers, snowy plovers and American oystercatchers. Nesting shorebirds prefer flat, sandy areas, where predators are easily spotted. Birds can nest in large colonies, with several species nesting near each other or alone as a breeding pair.
Shorebird nests are little more than shallow scrapes in the sand and eggs are extremely small and well-camouflaged, making them difficult to spot. Adult birds will sit on the eggs to protect them from predators and the hot Florida sun. People and pets can disturb resting birds, scaring them away from the nest and leaving eggs vulnerable. Adults may dive or swoop on predators who approach too close in an attempt to scare them away. Birds may also pretend to be injured to draw predator’s attention away from the nest. If you notice a bird swooping or diving near you, you’ve likely found a nest!
Help protect nesting shorebirds by using official dune crossovers and only parking in designated areas. Avoid approaching posted nesting areas and move away if birds appear agitated. Dogs are only allowed in designated beach dog parks and must be kept on a leash at all times.
As water temperatures warm up, boaters should be on the lookout for sea turtles and manatees in nearshore waters. Sea turtles can be present year-round, but numbers may increase as temperatures rise. Both manatees and sea turtles need air to breathe and often rest at the surface, making them vulnerable to boat strikes. Boaters should obey posted wake zones and keep a look-out, especially when approaching docks and marinas.
Manatees are increasing in our area, thought to be visiting from the Big Bend region during the summer months. Several agencies are tracking the number and location of manatees in our area and all sightings should be reported at www.panhandlemanatee.org. Injured turtles and manatees should be reported to Escambia County Marine Resources at (850) 426-1257 or the FWC Wildlife Alert Hotline at 1-888-404-3922.
For more information about protecting our coastal wildlife visit www.myescambia.com/seaturtles or follow the Escambia County Natural Resources Management Department on Facebook at @ECNaturalResourcesManagement.
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