Stay in the know about wildlife, water quality, and ecosystems on Sanibel and Captiva Islands and in Southwest Florida
Inaugural Nest Fest Supports Sea Turtles & Shorebirds
Sea turtle and shorebird lovers came out to support SCCF’s Coastal Wildlife staff and volunteers on April 14 for our first-ever Nest Fest — a celebration of sea turtle and shorebird nesting season on Sanibel and Captiva Islands.
Held at the Sanibel Community House the evening before our daily sea turtle monitoring surveys began April 15, the event featured educational kids’ activities, a presentation, sea turtle and shorebird trivia, and opportunities to support our Coastal Wildlife department through symbolic adoptions.
“We extend our gratitude to longtime supporter of SCCF Linda Linsmayer for her help organizing and hosting the event, and to Doc Ford’s and Huxters Market & Deli for their generous donations of food and drinks for Nest Fest,” said Coastal Wildlife Director and Sea Turtle Program Coordinator Kelly Sloan. “Without the support of local businesses and residents, the research and conservation we do would not be possible.”
Kids and families had a blast playing games that taught them how to measure a nesting sea turtle, count shorebirds, clean our beaches, fill in holes in the sand, and more!
Following opening remarks by Linda Linsmayer, the crowd also learned all about SCCF’s work protecting sea turtles and shorebirds on the islands — including daily monitoring surveys during nesting season, protecting nests, educating the public, banding and re-sighting shorebirds to inform population data, and researching the impacts of red tide and beach renourishment on nesting sea turtles and hatchlings.
During her presentation, Sloan also discussed sea turtle biology, policy, and large-scale trends impacting sea turtles, such as warming temperatures and artificial lighting.
Shorebird Biologist Audrey Albrecht introduced the nesting shorebird species we monitor (Wilson’s plovers, snowy plovers, least terns, and killdeer), explained SCCF’s snowy plover program, highlighted the importance of bird banding and resighting, and delivered the good news that we are now monitoring multiple snowy plover nests on the islands!
Both Sloan and Albrecht ended with tips on how we can all help sea turtles and shorebirds during nesting season when we’re on the beach, including:
- Turning beach-front lights off after 9 p.m.
- Leashing your pets
- Removing obstacles such as beach furniture, toys, and sandcastles
- Filling in holes, which can trap sea turtles, especially hatchlings
- Keeping your distance from marked nests and not disturbing wildlife
- Not chasing or flushing birds
- Not feeding wildlife
- Being an ethical photographer
- Picking up all trash
Want to do more to help sea turtles and shorebirds? Consider adopting a shorebird, sea turtle, and more to support our Coastal Wildlife work and research.
A huge thank you to our Nest Fest Beverage Sponsor, Huxters Market & Deli, and Food Sponsor, Doc Ford’s.