For the sixth consecutive year, SCCF will be participating in global shorebird counts as part of World Shorebirds Day. These counts have been conducted during the first week of September worldwide since 2014 to spread awareness about shorebird conservation and gather longitudinal data. The 2021 count window is from Sept. 1-7 and SCCF is seeking volunteers to help this year.

Typically, these surveys are conducted by SCCF staff, but this year we are hoping to engage volunteers who are interested in learning more about shorebirds. Staff will cover the West End of Sanibel and Captiva.

Volunteers are being enlisted for the East End from the Sanibel Lighthouse to Tarpon Bay Road on Tuesday, Sept. 7, at 7:30am. Survey routes range from one half to 1.25 mile and are divided up by available parking. No experience is necessary. 

What participants need: transportation, binoculars, and an A, B, or C Sanibel parking pass.

These surveys help to spread awareness about shorebird conservation. Worldwide shorebird populations are declining at alarming rates, and the need for research and monitoring to aid in their conservation is greater than ever. This project is relatively new compared to other long-running survey efforts, such as the Audubon Christmas Bird Count; however, over time, the data collected will help researchers identify important trends in global populations.

If you are interested in participating in this survey, please send an email to SCCF Shorebird Biologist Audrey Albrecht at shorebirds@SCCF.org.

Learn more about World Shorebirds Day. In the photo above, left to right, a ruddy turnstone (Arenaria interpres), several short-billed dowitchers (Limnodromus griseus), and red knots (Calidris canutus), and a black-bellied plover (Pluvialis squatarola).