First snowy plover nest of season roped off
Sanibel-Captiva Conservation Foundation shorebird biologist Audrey Albrecht reported that her volunteer team roped off its first snowy plover nest of the season on April 6 on Sanibel’s east end.
The volunteers named the plover “Pale Male.” He was shading the single light brown-speckled egg, which blends in with the sand and shells, while his mate was off feeding to get energy to lay the next egg.
“We also have another area posted on the east end where our snowy plovers usually nest,” Albrecht said. “There are two pairs that will likely nest there soon.”
The islands are a crucial nesting site for the snowy plovers, Wilson’s plovers and least terns from February, when the state’s nesting season officially begins, through August.
Shorebird populations are in decline worldwide due to habitat loss compounded by increased threats from coastal water pollution, natural predation, climate change and other factors, the SCCF reported. The public can help the fragile populations survive by keeping them in mind when hitting the beach.
For tips on how to protect shorebirds, visit https://sancaplifesavers.org/.
If you see a snowy plover nest, email shorebirds@sccf.org.