Share The Shore

It’s nesting time for shore birds here in Florida and the Audubon Society has some tips to “Share the Shores with Birds":
• Impromptu fireworks on Florida’s beaches and waterways can have catastrophic effects on vulnerable chicks and eggs. Leave fireworks at home.
• Respect posted areas, even if you don’t see birds inside them. Birds, eggs, and nests are well camouflaged, and disturbance by people endangers the entire colony.
• Give colony islands some room. When fishing, be sure not to leave any equipment behind. Always dispose of fishing line and tackle appropriately.
• Avoid disturbing birds. If birds take flight or appear agitated, you are too close.
• Refrain from walking dogs or allowing cats on beaches. Even on a leash, dogs are perceived as predators by birds.
• Don’t let pets off boats onto posted islands or beaches.
• If you must walk your dog on beaches, always keep them on a leash and away from birds.
• Please do not feed gulls or herons at the beach. Also, do not bury or leave trash, picnic leftovers, charcoal or fish scraps on the beach. They attract predators of chicks and eggs, such as Fish Crows, raccoons, foxes, coyotes, and Laughing Gulls.
• Beach-nesting birds sometimes nest outside of posted areas. If you notice birds circling noisily over your head, you may be near a nesting colony. Leave quietly, and enjoy the colony from a distance. Black Skimmers are one of the species that nest on the local beaches here in Englewood. Thanks to Charlene Brown of Englewood for this wonderful photo of a black skimmer mother & her babies.