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SCCF: Shorebird nesting experiencing highs, lows

By SCCF 2 min read
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AARON WHITE Snowy plover chicks
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AARON WHITE Snowy plover chicks

The shorebird nesting season is full of highs and lows that reflect the challenges wildlife constantly encounters, the Sanibel-Captiva Conservation Foundation reported on June 30.

Two weeks ago, one of the island’s snowy plover broods lost all its chicks within a few days. The parents had left their chicks unattended to attack other broods, so their chicks were not getting the attention they needed to survive. The adults can be territorial due to limited habitat availability and busy beaches filled with people, dogs and natural predators such as ghost crabs, crows and herons.

The good news: The pair has re-nested, so the SCCF is expecting more chicks to hatch in about a month. In addition, there were a total of four snowy plover chicks roaming the beach as of June 30. The oldest was just under 4 weeks old and the youngest was a pair of 2-week-old chicks. Snowy plover chicks take four to six weeks to fledge.

“That’s a long time for such a fragile bird, which is why we stress the importance of giving them space to forage and grow,” SCCF shorebird intern Aaron White said.

As of June 30, there also was a Wilson’s plover brood on the west end of Sanibel that still had all three chicks. They were 4 weeks old at the time and should soon be able to fly.

If you are observing territorial behavior among remaining broods, maintain a safe distance of at least 100 feet. Giving them proper space is important so that they can return to their established territories and properly tend to their chicks. If you are observing shorebirds in the presence of a predator, allow them plenty of space — especially laterally — so that they can retreat from the threat.

If you see a new snowy plover nest, contact the SCCF at 813-756-8773 or shorebirds@sccf.org.