SCCF: Plover nests inundated by rains, tides of storm
The first weekend of June, the tropical cyclone that eventually became Tropical Storm Alex came through the local area, bringing heavy rains and high tides. At the time the storm hit, the Sanibel-Captiva Conservation Foundation was monitoring two active, snowy plover nests and two snowy plover broods with chicks. While both nests were inundated with water, one remained active with the birds still incubating as of June 15. The other was less fortunate and those birds are attempting to re-nest for a third time this season. The SCCF reported that the oldest chick, who is nearly fledged, remains alive and well, but the recently hatched chicks were too vulnerable. Small downy chicks are highly susceptible to weather events as they cannot thermoregulate. With the heavy rains, high tides and colder temperatures, they were not able to survive the storm. SCCF staff and volunteers are watching closely to see when the parents re-nest. For questions about beach-nesting birds, email shorebirds@sccf.org.
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