It’s always a great day, selling Pelican Bay! L C B A MsNaples.com Laurie@CassellSellsNaples.com MBA, GRI, CIPS, ABR®, SRES®, RSPS, PSA, AHWD®, SFR®, CREN Pelican Bay AMG Ad Proof DISTURBANCE THREATENS SURVIVAL Many Florida shorebirds and seabirds nest on the open beach, where they lay eggs in shallow scrapes in the sand or seashells. The nests are so well camouflaged that they can be accidentally trampled by unsuspecting beachgoers. When beach-nesting birds are forced to fly or run from their nests, their eggs and chicks are left vulnerable to the elements and predators. Disturbances that cause birds to take flight or leave their young may threaten their survival. EACH NEST IS CRITICAL Populations of beach-nesting birds are declining due to significant modification and disturbance of beaches by human activities. The fate of each delicate nest is truly critical to the survival of these birds. By being a responsible beach-user, you can help beach-nesting birds and their young survive. HOW YOU CAN HELP! While enjoying the beach, take these simple steps: • Keep your distance. 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. • Respect posted areas. Avoid posted nesting and resting areas and use designated walkways. • Never intentionally force birds to fly. When birds are chased or disturbed, they use energy they need to reserve for nesting and migration. • Keep pets away from nesting areas. Even well-behaved pets can be perceived as a threat to birds and will disturb them. If you take pets to the beach, keep them on a leash and away from nesting areas. • Keep the beach clean and do not feed wildlife. Food scraps attract predators such as raccoons and crows to the beaches. Litter on beaches can entangle birds, sea turtles and other wildlife. • Spread the word! If you see people disturbing nesting birds, gently remind them how their actions may hurt birds’ survival. If they continue to disturb nesting birds, please call and report their activities to FWC’s Wildlife Alert hotline at 888-404-FWCC (3922). AVOID GETTING TOO CLOSE Beach-nesting birds view people and pets as a threat to their nests and young, and will react defensively when you get too close. You will know you are too close if adult birds react to your approach by standing up, running or flying from their nest. If you remain too close to beach-nesting birds, they may try driving you away by calling out loudly and dive-bombing you. Some species may pretend to have a broken wing to lure your attention away from a nest. When adult birds are actively defending in these ways, they can’t protect eggs and chicks from the hot sun. Those defensive actions may also attract the attention of predators, such as herons and crows. If beach-nesting birds alert you that you are too close, immediately leave the area! As you leave, please keep a close eye on the ground for eggs or chicks that may be hidden in your path. SHARE THE BEACH WITH BEACH-NESTING BIRDS Information from Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (myfwc.com/shorebirds) 97 Pelican Bay Member Guide 2023 PelicanBay.org
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