Independence Day is approaching. However, it is important that celebrations do not cause damage to coastal birds.

“Loud noise and lights on the beachside from fireworks can cause nesting birds to panic, flying away from their nests and scattering chicks,” said SCCF Shorebird Technician Sami Hinsz. “It is better to attend municipal, organized firework shows versus setting off personal fireworks on the beaches.”

On Sanibel, it is illegal to possess or discharge fireworks.

To make beaches safer for birds, especially threatened beach-nesting species such as least terns, snowy plovers, and black skimmers, you can:

• Give birds as much distance as possible. Bird nesting areas will be posted with stakes, signs and flagging.
• Please avoid walking through and flushing large flocks of birds.
• Never chase wildlife, as flushing colonies can cause harm to eggs, chicks, and adults. 
• Keep your pets leashed and away from birds.
• Make sure trash, furniture, and fishing line is secured. If these items end up inside posted nesting areas, they can injure or trap wildlife.
• Volunteer with SCCF as a shorebird steward.

There is currently a large least tern (Sternula antillarum) and black skimmer (Rynchops niger) colony on the bay side of Sanibel Causeway Island A. This is only the second successful year of least tern nesting on the Causeway since the 1990s, and the first time since 1993 that black skimmers have nested on the Causeway. 

“Both of these species are designated threatened in the state of Florida, so it is very important that they are allowed to nest and raise their chicks undisturbed,” Hinsz said.

Many of these same rules apply to protecting sea turtles, and beachgoers are reminded to turn off/shield all lights visible from the beach after 9 p.m. to protect nesting sea turtles and hatchlings trying to navigate their way to the water. Sandcastles should be leveled, and holes filled in.

SCCF staff and volunteer stewards will be present all Fourth of July weekend and subsequent weekends throughout the summer to protect the nesting colonies and educate beachgoers about these species.

We are recruiting more volunteers who are interested in helping monitor nesting birds during peak weekend beach times: Sign up here.