The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission is asking the public to keep their fireworks off the beach to protect beach-nesting shorebirds during the Fourth of July weekend.
The shorebirds which consist of snowy plovers, least terns, black skimmers, American oystercatchers and Wilson's plovers nest along the beaches on the Atlantic and Gulf coasts of Florida.
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According to the FWC, the birds are facing conservation challenges and are depending on people to survive.
"Fireworks launched too close or toward a nesting colony can cause adult shorebirds to flush off their nests and chicks to scatter, leaving the chicks vulnerable to predators, the elements and the potential of getting accidentally stepped on by beach-goers," said Nancy Douglass, who works on shorebird conservation for the FWC. "Leaving personal fireworks at home and giving the birds space are ways that residents can still enjoy the beach while helping to keep shorebirds and their chicks safe."
How to protect beach-nesting shorebirds:
- Leave personal fireworks, including sparklers, at home and attend an official fireworks display instead.
- Keep your distance, whether on the beach or paddling watercraft along the shore. If birds become agitated or leave their nests, you are too close. A general rule is to stay at least 300 feet from a nest. Birds calling out loudly or dive-bombing are giving signals for you to back off.
- Never intentionally force birds to fly or run. They use up energy they need for nesting, and eggs or chicks may be left vulnerable to the sun's heat or predators. Teach children not to chase shorebirds and kindly ask fellow beach-goers to do the same.
- Respect posted shorebird nesting areas. Avoid posted sites and use designated walkways when possible.
- It is best not to take pets to the beach, but if you do, keep them on a leash and avoid shorebird nesting areas.
- Keep the beach clean and do not feed wildlife. Food scraps attract predators such as raccoons and crows, which can prey on shorebird chicks. Litter on beaches can entangle birds and other wildlife.
- Spread the word. If you see people disturbing nesting birds, gently let them know how their actions may hurt the birds' chances for survival. If they continue to disturb nesting shorebirds, report their activities to the FWC's Wildlife Alert Hotline at 888-404-FWCC (3922), #FWC or *FWC on a cell phone, or by texting Tip@MyFWC.com.
More information can be found at MyFWC.com/Shorebirds and www.flshorebirdalliance.org.