People aren’t the only ones enjoying summer on Anna Maria Island.
A colony of black skimmers — an endangered shorebird species — is nesting in Holmes Beach on the shore fronting the 5400 block of Gulf Drive.
The black-and-white birds with a distinguishable splash of orange on their beaks can be seen flying low over the Gulf, skimming their food from the shallow shoreline waters.
Volunteers have been monitoring skimmer nesting on Anna Maria Island for about 15 years, but this is the first known skimmer colony to settle in that spot, according to Anna Maria Island Turtle Watch and Shorebird Monitoring executive director Suzi Fox.
As of June 27, the shorebird monitors reported 56 skimmer nests with about 70 adults and 12 chicks.
Fox says by the end of nesting season — early to mid-August — she expects 30-80 chicks.
When eggs were spotted May 21, the area was roped off for the birds’ protection.
However, the birds’ safety needs extend beyond their present roped-off boundary.
As the chicks mature, they travel between their nests and shoreline, learning to fish, interact and fledge, according to Fox.
She says it is important to watch out for the small, sand-camouflaged chicks that hunker on the shoreline.
“Their instinct is to just drop in the sand when their mother calls out a warning,” Fox said. “This means they can be at risk of being stepped on if someone’s not paying attention.”
Fox said people should exercise care when walking on the beach near the colony between 53rd and 56th streets in Holmes Beach.
Additionally, predators drawn by trash are a threat to the skimmers. Fox said while the nesting area doesn’t have open dumpsters, beachgoers need to respect Mother Nature.
“No matter where you are on the beach, especially during this busy summer season, please remember to pick up your trash,” Fox said. “This is a beautiful place to live — let’s keep it that way for animals and people.”
To report a sick bird, contact Fox at 941-778-5638.
Turtle watch seeks help for post-holiday cleanup
In anticipation of a busy Fourth of July, Anna Maria Island Turtle Watch and Shorebird Monitoring is planning a beach cleanup at 7:30 a.m. Wednesday, July 5, at the Manatee Public Beach, 4000 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach.
People interested in volunteering for the cleanup should bring gloves and trash bags, said AMITW executive director Suzi Fox.
For more information about the cleanup, visit AMITW on Facebook or call Fox at 941-778-5638.
Be a hero for sea turtles this holiday — and everyday
- Leave personal fireworks at home and attend an official display instead. The loud sounds and bright lights of fireworks on Anna Maria Island beaches can have catastrophic effects on nesting birds and sea turtles.
- Stay out of marked nesting areas and keep your distance from nesting sea turtles.
- Don’t use flashlights or camera flashes on the beach at night. They can distract nesting sea turtles and cause them to halt their nesting plans or return to the water.
- Do not feed birds or leave trash, picnic leftovers or fish scraps on the beach. These scraps attract predators that will eat the eggs and hatchlings of birds and sea turtles.
- Report sick, injured, entangled or dead sea turtles to the FWC Wildlife Alert Hotline at 1-888-404-3922, #FWC or *FWC on a cell phone or text tip@myfwc.com.
Source: FWC