Sanibel collaboration creates kite monitoring program
In recent years, people have reported seeing an increase in the number of swallow-tailed kites on Sanibel, especially during nesting season, according to the Sanibel-Captiva Conservation Foundation. A few nests have been monitored by a small group of volunteers for several years.
With some upcoming habitat restoration projects in the works, the SCCF, city and J.N. “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge have banded together to establish a kite monitoring program with guidance from the Avian Research and Conservation Institute.
ARCI has been studying swallow-tailed kites for decades and its expertise was invaluable in establishing the new monitoring effort, the SCCF reported. Collectively, the partners can gain a better understanding of how the birds are utilizing the island and how people can help protect them.
In March, conservation biologists conducted surveys across Sanibel to locate suitable habitats and possible nest structures. Several nests were located and confirmed to have incubating kites. The team is currently monitoring seven active nests and believes more may be identified in the coming weeks.
Kites are still returning from their wintering grounds in South America, so the group and volunteers will also continue to look for new nest structures and check historical nesting sites for new activity.
Kites nest near the top of tall trees, usually cypress or slash pines, but on Sanibel the tallest trees are typically Australian pines. Australian pines are not as sturdy as their preferred nesting trees, so there is some concern that the kite nests may be damaged or destroyed in heavy winds, the SCCF reported.
If there is a swallow-tailed kite nest near you, or you suspect there may be a pair nesting nearby, contact shorebirds@sccf.org.