Florida Shorebird Alliance
Birding News
March 1st through September 1st of every year is the FLORIDA SHOREBIRD BREEDING SEASON in Brevard County. During this time both Shorebirds and Seabirds are breeding on mainland, barrier, and spoil islands.
The American Oyster Catcher, Wilsons Plover, Least Tern and Black Skimmer can be found in the County as well as many other species. These are the four protected focal species the Florida Shorebird Alliance (FSA) volunteers are surveying during the nesting season in our county. Shorebirds have lost an abundance of natural habitat and can now also be found nesting on rooftops and in construction sites.
Want to understand more about the protected species and how you can help? Visit the Florida Shorebird Alliance website: https://flshorebirdalliance.org/ Volunteer with the Florida Shorebird Alliance. Report rooftop, construction or beach nesting sightings to our regional biologist (352) 644-3539. Take photos, videos and have address or GPS location handy.
Advocate to protect: Give them room. Reduce human and animal interaction with birds on the ground. The Least Tern is an example of a species that when seen on the beach, could be resting and recharging from the migration from South America. Or in the later months of the nesting season can be found with their young learning to fly and feed also known as staging. As a reminder dogs are not allowed on all beaches, so please use designated dog beaches for your pet. Our 4 legged friends are seen as a threat to shorebirds. Report to: https://www.brevardfl.gov/ParksAndRecreation/ParkDirectory/DogParks or to FWC 888-404-FWCC (3922).
Protection Status:
https://flshorebirdalliance.org/media/1020/le-pamphlet.pdf
Reduce and Prevent Entanglement:
https://myfwc.com/conservation/special-initiatives/cwci/entanglement/
Injured birds:
Take to Florida Wildlife Hospital, 4560 US Hwy 1, Melbourne, 321-254-8843. Very important to note exactly where you found the bird and do not offer food or water as that could prevent proper or quick treatment and return to the nest.
More about the species:
https://www.audubon.org/field-guide/bird/least-tern
https://www.audubon.org/field-guide/bird/black-skimmer
https://www.audubon.org/field-guide/bird/american-oystercatcher
https://www.audubon.org/field-guide/bird/wilsons-plover