SCCF: Shorebird chicks survive Elsa
In advance of Tropical Storm Elsa, Sanibel-Captiva Conservation Foundation staff took down the shorebird enclosures on Sanibel’s east end to prevent the materials from washing away. As most of the chicks are close to fledging, they have been spending less time inside of the areas, officials noted.
An enclosure with a snowy plover nest inside remained standing; however, the nest was washed away during the storm. The nest had been the fourth nesting attempt of the pair and will likely be the last as it is late in the season. As of July 14, staff and volunteers continued to closely monitor the snowy plovers on Sanibel and, if there are late-season nests, they will be promptly cordoned off and protected.
There are still three plover broods on the island, each with one surviving chick. The oldest chick was observed flying for the first time on July 10 — six weeks after hatching. The others should follow suit shortly. Two of the chicks have been banded, which allows the SCCF to gain a better understanding of the species so it can be better protected. Snowy plovers are captured and banded by trained staff under state and federal permits.
Three Wilson’s plovers chicks also survived the storm.
“They are most likely flight-capable based on their age and size, though staff have not witnessed them take flight yet,” SCCF shorebird biologist Audrey Albrecht said.
Two of Sanibel’s 2020 banded snowy plover fledglings continue their adventures around Southwest Florida. Both Blue/Black and White/Black returned to Sanibel for the July Fourth weekend, and stayed through Elsa. Blue/Black was spotted a few days later north on Outback Key.
“White/Black typically returns to Outback Key as well, so we are awaiting the next report from biologists there,” Albrecht said.
If you see a banded snowy plover, contact the SCCF at 813-756-8773 or shorebirds@sccf.org.
For tips on how to safely share the shore with the birds, visit SanCapLifeSavers.org.