The first shorebird chicks of the year have arrived on Anna Maria Island.
Anna Maria Island Turtle Watch and Shorebird Monitoring executive director Suzi Fox announced the snowy plovers hatched April 23 in Anna Maria.
Shorebirds that commonly nest on the island include black skimmers, least terns and snowy plovers. While many of the birds will gather in a colony to nest and raise chicks until they’re ready to take flight and leave the nest, others will nest on the beach away from the colony, making it imperative beachgoers be aware of their surroundings.
Shorebirds that nest in the sand, according to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, have eggs that are well camouflaged. The bird nests and eggs blend in with the sand. Beachgoers are advised to not get too close to or enter marked nesting areas. When encountering a nesting bird, not to scare it or feed it, which can cause the bird to abandon the nest, leaving eggs and chicks vulnerable to predators and the sun. Walkers should watch the path to make sure not to step on eggs or chicks.
Once the chicks are born, the parent birds begin training them, including how to fish and to fly. During this period, which lasts about three weeks, according to Fox, the chicks may wander between the nesting area and the water. Beachgoers should not attempt to approach, feed or pick up the chicks. Human interference can cause the chicks to be abandoned.
Another threat to the birds and their nests are predators, including dogs and cats. Fox said free-roaming cats may see the nesting birds and their chicks as easy prey and may attack or kill them. Dogs are prone to bark and chase birds, which can cause them to abandon the nest.
During nesting season, Fox asks that animal owners keep their pets on leashes or indoors to prevent them from injuring or scaring birds.
For Manatee County residents who want to help protect nesting shorebirds, AMITW is looking for volunteers to assist in its new bird stewarding program. Bird stewards are required to be full-time residents through the end of nesting season in August and walk the beach to look for nests and educate beachgoers at nesting sites.
For more information, contact AMITW shorebird stewardship coordinator Ashley Scarpa at 863-255-4415 or email amitwbirdsteward@gmail.com.