Shorebird team monitoring snowy plover nests
On April 23, the Sanibel-Captiva Conservation Foundation (SCCF) reported that its shorebird team is monitoring Sanibel’s first two snowy plover nests of the year.
“One belongs to a familiar face, a male known as White/Blue who was banded as an adult on Sanibel in 2019 and has nested every year on the island since,” shorebird technician Sami Hinsz said. “The other nest belongs to an unbanded pair.”
Last year was the first year in the snowy plover program’s history that no chicks were fledged.
“We’re hoping this year proves to be more successful. With the help of our volunteers, we are checking nests on a daily basis,” she said. “Both nests are roped off to protect these state-threatened birds.”
Shorebird nesting season on Sanibel begins in February and can continue through August. The team monitors snowy plovers, Wilson’s plovers, least terns and killdeer.
For information about bird-friendly beach behaviors, visit https://sccf.org/sharing-the-shore/.
To reach SANIBEL-CAPTIVA CONSERVATION FOUNDATION, please email