SCCF Shorebird Biologist Audrey Albrecht reports that we have received news about some of our snowy plovers recently. 

After several failed nesting attempts on Siesta Key, our 2017 Sanibel Fledge Green /White (aka “Ms. Sanibel”) was found by state park staff on Caladesi Island with two small chicks! In 2017, she fledged from Sanibel and her first resighting was in August 120 miles away on Caladesi Island. Since then she has spent most of her time on Siesta Key. 

Sanibel fledgling Blue/Green (pictured here), was banded on July 1 this year near the Sanibel Lighthouse. Blue/Green was seen on August 1 on Lido Key about 69 miles from where it hatched. (Photo from Kylie Wilson of Audubon Florida) 

Adult White/Blue was found on July 30 on Anclote Key about 130 miles north by state park staff. White/Blue is an adult male that was banded in 2019 on Sanibel. He fledged 2 chicks around Shell Island Beach Club near the Lighthouse in both 2019 and 2020. (Photo from Daniel Larremore with Honeymoon Island State Park)

Albrecht spent most of her time last week removing all of our shorebird enclosures in anticipation of the potential impacts from TS Isaias. All of our shorebirds appear to be done nesting, and no chicks or fledglings were using them.

Fall shorebird migration is starting. Lots of sanderlings have returned to our beaches in the last week. Please remember not to let kids or dogs chase birds! These tiny birds have just flown thousands of miles after spending the summer in the arctic nesting and raising chicks. They are very tired and it is essential they can rest and feed to regain energy for the rest of their journey. Some will stay with us for the winter, while others will continue on to Central and South America. 

As we start to see migratory shorebirds return, keep an eye out for banded birds, and let our shorebird biologist know if you see one, or have any shorebird questions by emailing shorebirds@sccf.org