provided to The Santiva Chronicle
The Sanibel Captiva Conservation Foundation calls all volunteer shorebird stewards to help protect the nesting least terns on the Sanibel Causeway Islands over the Memorial Day weekend and subsequent weekends.
SCCF staff, in partnership with the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission and Lee County, have documented more than 65 least tern nests as of May 18 on the Causeway Islands. They work together, ensuring nesting areas are roped off and protected from the increasing beach traffic since the islands recently reopened to the public.
SCCF staff and volunteers have been stationed next to the island’s nesting areas during peak weekend times to ensure the least terns, a state-threatened bird, have enough space from human and pet activities and debris.
“Just having a presence by the posted nesting area has a huge impact when it comes to reducing disturbance to birds, and we also get to educate people about bird-friendly behaviors, such as leashing pets, picking up trash, and keepting a distance from the resting birds,” said SCCF Shorebird Biologist Audrey Albrecht.
Volunteers are stationed in three-hour shifts with an SCCF staff member present. There is access to shade and a cooler. SCCF recommends volunteers bring plenty of water, sun protection, snacks, a cell phone, and binoculars.
Sign up here to learn more and get involved.
The least tern nesting season lasts until August, when the colony will head south for the winter in Central and South America. It’s the third straight year that the least terns have nested on the Causeway Islands following a 30-year absence.
Click here for tips on sharing the shore with the least terns and other beach-nesting birds.