SCCF Shorebird Biologist Audrey Albrecht reports that as of right now we have only a single brood of two snowy plover (Charadrius nivosus) chicks who turned 1-month-old last week. 

“The photo here is of a snowy plover chick with mom taken while people were walking by who never even saw them. We are waiting to see if any of the snowy plovers will attempt to nest one more time this summer,” said Albrecht.

The snowy plover fledglings have left the area, we can’t wait to see where they turn up. Last week, according to ebird, one of our fledglings was at Bowditch Point.

Another of our snowy plover fledglings, pictured here, was reported to be all the way to Keewaydin Island south of Naples last Thursday. And, as of yesterday was back on Sanibel!

Our oldest known snowy plover turned up over at Carlos Pointe on Fort Myers Beach. The 12-year-old female is usually spotted over there at least once a year.

Please continue to safeguard our nesting shorebirds through August.

What can you do to help?

• Respect signed nesting areas. Plover nests are really difficult to see. The posted areas prevent beachgoers from accidentally trampling the eggs in a nest.
• Honor the leash law. Plovers view dogs as predators. An unleashed dog can destroy nests and kill hatchlings.
• Be a respectful photographer
• WATCH a video on Shorebird Conservation Tips

If you have any questions about our shorebirds please email shorebirds@sccf.org