Sanibel-Captiva Conservation Foundation Shorebird Biologist Audrey Albrecht reported on June 24 that three of the snowy plover chicks on the east end of Sanibel could fly and the remaining two chicks are 2 weeks old. She also noted that the beach-goers may see more snowy plover nests.

“There is still time for the birds that lost nests to re-nest, and for the parents of fledged chicks to potentially re-nest,” Albrecht said.

As of June 24, there was one Wilson’s plover nest at Bowman’s Beach, but the least tern colony at Bowman’s had again failed after repeated predation events. There were coyote tracks and crow tracks throughout the colony and around the empty nest bowls. Some nests were depredated and others were completely abandoned with the eggs still there and the birds gone. All terns are gone.

“We are working with FWC to assess the situation and improve nesting success in the future,” she said.

For questions about shorebirds or to report a banded bird, email shorebirds@sccf.org.