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The beach bird nesting season has begun along Florida's coasts. Spring and summer mark critical times of year for these vulnerable species, as they must avoid human disturbance, storms, and predators to raise their babies successfully.

Sea and shorebirds lay their eggs right on the sand. They are scared of people and dogs and will take flight whenever boaters, beachgoers, or dogs approach too closely. Repeated human disturbance often causes adult birds to abandon the nesting area, sometimes even leaving eggs and chicks behind. To limit the amount of human disturbance to nesting birds, 91���� staff close off important nesting areas to people while the state-Threatened birds, such as Least Terns and Black Skimmers, raise their families.

In Collier County, the Second Chance Critical Wildlife Area (CWA) is closed to boater access and landing from March 1 through August 31. This shell island is located at the south end of Cape Romano, south of Marco Island. Other nesting areas near Marco Island that will be posted in March include Dickman’s Key, Keewaydin Island, Big Marco Pass, and Morgan Pass beaches.

In Lee County, nesting areas on Fort Myers Beach and the Little Estero CWA will be posted after April 1. All postings are coordinated closely with the Florida Fish & Wildlife Conservation Commission.

Postings often include informational signs, along with string and flagging, placed around areas where state-protected beach birds are known to nest. Staying out of posted nesting areas and giving the birds plenty of space allows them to successfully raise their chicks. Boaters need to heed signage and avoid areas posted as "no trespassing," even if they don't notice any birds.

 “Our coastal birds depend on these quiet stretches of beach to safely nest and raise their young. Our beaches are shared spaces, and by simply giving nesting birds the room they need and respecting posted areas, our community plays a vital role in protecting the future of Florida’s coastal wildlife,” says Megan Hatten, 91����’s Southwest Florida Shorebird Program Manager.

How to protect beach-nesting birds so they can raise the next generation of chicks to adulthood:

• Respect posted areas, even if you don’t see any birds inside.
• If birds dive-bomb you, carefully move away as there may be a nest nearby.
• Ensure no trash or food remnants are left behind, as this can attract predators.
• Keep dogs on a leash (if they are allowed on the beach at all), on board your boat, or at home.

91���� Florida protects birds and the places they need, today and tomorrow. 91���� works throughout the Americas using science, advocacy, education, and on-the-ground conservation. State programs, nature centers, chapters, and partners give 91���� an unparalleled wingspan that reaches millions of people each year to inform, inspire, and unite diverse communities in conservation action. A nonprofit conservation organization since 1900, 91���� believes in a world in which people and wildlife thrive.