MyFlorida.com - the State of Florida's Official Web siteMyFWC.comFlorida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission
Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commision
FWC LOGO
Boating Fishing Hunting Licenses/Permits 

Viewing

 

Ask FWC

SiteMap

FWC Home : Conservation : Conservation & You : Living with Wildlife : Living with Beach-Nesting Shorebirds

Living with Beach-Nesting Shorebirds

 

Beach-nesting Birds

Several species of shorebirds and seabirds nest along the beaches of the Atlantic and Gulf coasts of Florida.  Habitat loss and degradation associated with coastal development has largely restricted many of these species to stretches of beach within parks and preserves.  This group of birds is particularly sensitive to human disturbance since environmental conditions on beaches are already harsh and unpredictable.   For example, one dog passing near a colony of nesting seabirds can cause all the birds to panic and subsequently leave their nests dangerously exposed to the hot boiling sun.

How you can help protect beach-nesting birds:

  • Never enter areas posted with shorebird/seabird signs.
  • Avoid driving on or beyond the upper beach.
  • Drive slow enough to avoid running over chicks.
  • Keep dogs on a leash and away from areas where birds may be nesting.
  • Keep cats indoors, and do not feed stray cats.
  • Properly dispose of trash to keep predators away.
  • Do not fly kites near areas where birds may be nesting.
  • When birds are aggravated, you are too close.

Learn more about beach-nesting birds

Vehicles on the Beach

A matter of Survival; Co-existing with Florida's Beach-nesting Birds Adobe Reader file (2.34MB) has tips on how you can help protect Florida's birdlife while still enjoying the beach.

Shorebird Viewing Destinations

Find additional information for the following species of shorebirds and seabirds in the Florida Breeding Bird Atlas:

 

Our mission: Managing fish and wildlife resources for their long-term well-being and the benefit of people.