Shorebird team monitoring four plover nests
Sanibel-Captiva Conservation Foundation staff and volunteers have been busy monitoring the beaches for nesting shorebirds, officials reported.
As of May 19, there were four active snowy plover nests — and more were expected. Several more snowy plovers had arrived, possibly seeking new nesting locations after failing on other nesting beaches within the region. On May 17, monitors observed a snowy plover female incubating her nest.
As of last week, there were no least terns nesting on the islands, but they had been seen at several locations foraging and exhibiting courtship behaviors. There was one Wilson’s plover nest.
One snowy plover laid its nest in beach artwork, with the egg in the center of the shell design. Beach visitors sitting near the nest were unaware of it, but graciously moved away immediately after SCCF shorebird monitors pointed it out. Shortly after it was roped off, the eggs were depredated by crows.
In addition to monitoring beach-nesting birds, staff continues to conduct monthly shorebird surveys for resident and migratory birds. Arctic nesting species, such as the black-bellied plover, ruddy turnstones and sanderlings, are noticeably molting into their breeding plumages and getting ready for their long trips north.
The SCCF reminded the public to never chase birds and always try to walk around groups of resting and feeding birds. It is especially important this time of year not to disturb the birds as they need every bit of their energy to make that long trip.
If you see a shorebird nest that has not yet been roped off, contact shorebirds@sccf.org.