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Nature society asks residents to be mindful July 4

By Staff | Jul 3, 2009

Audubon of Florida is asking people planning to spend time onFlorida’s beaches this July Fourth holiday weekend to be mindful of roped-off areas and warning signs that have been placed along beaches where colonial and solitary nesting birds are raising their young, as well as at offshore heron and egret nesting areas. Of particular concern are fireworks set off near or toward any bird nesting areas. Fireworks frighten the parent birds away from their nests, leaving the eggs or young vulnerable.

“This is the make or break time for vast numbers of our coastal nesting birds.” said Julie Wraithmell, Wildlife Policy Coordinator for Audubon of Florida. “They have a hard enough time raising their young given all their natural predators, much less things like fireworks for which nothing in their evolution could prepare them.”

Each year along Florida’s coast, state and local officials, along with Audubon volunteers and staff, identify and cordon off beach nesting sites to prevent human disturbance which threaten the nesting success of many species of birds including some of Florida’s rarest and most charismatic species such as American Oystercatchers, Black Skimmers, and Least Terns. “Chicks on most beaches are still small and vulnerable — they need to be protected constantly by their parents, and disturbance can destroy a colony” said Monique Borboen, Audubon of Florida staff person for Northeast Florida.

Brown pelicans, roseate spoonbills, herons and egrets raise their young on islands throughout much of the state and are also extremely sensitive to disturbance when nesting. Young pelicans, spoonbills, herons and egrets remain in their nests until they are ready to fly. If the adults are scared away from the nest, the chicks are exposed to predators and overheating and may risk falling from the nest. This is particularly common this time of year as the birds are sensitive to the noise of fireworks.

“The Fourth of July is traditionally a family celebration. We are asking Florida’s residents and visitors to help our birds raise their families successfully, too. We ask parents to be good role models and help their children show respect for bird babies.” said Dr. Ann Hodgson, Audubon’s Gulf Coast Science Coordinator.

On some Florida beaches this weekend, volunteer “bird stewards” from local Audubon chapters will help chaperone beach nesting bird colonies, and educate beachgoers about these amazing Florida residents. Audubon of Florida asks all Floridians to help protect our state’s coastal nesting birds during this crucial chick rearing season by following these simple guidelines this Fourth of July.

> Avoid disturbing group of birds. If birds take flight or appear agitated, you are too close

> Refrain from walking dogs or allowing cats to roam freely on beaches during the nesting season. Dogs and cats are frequent predators of beach-nesting birds.

> Don’t let pets off boats onto posted islands or beaches.

> If you must walk your dog on beaches, always keep them on a leash and away from the birds.

> Do not bury or leave trash, picnic leftovers, and fish scraps on the beach. They attract predators of chicks and eggs, such as fish crows, raccoons, foxes, and laughing gulls.

> Do not shoot fireworks near nesting birds.

Now in its second century, Audubon is dedicated to protecting birds and other wildlife and the habitat that supports them. Our national network of community-based nature centers and chapters, scientific and educational programs, and advocacy on behalf of areas sustaining important bird populations, engage millions of people of all ages and backgrounds in conservation. Visit www.audubonoffloridanews.org for more information.