Shorebird colonies on Longboat continue solid nesting season

Shorebird nesting is off to a good start on Longboat Key this season, and town officials are reminding beachgoers to be mindful of the nesting birds. 

As of June 20, Longboat Key’s least tern colony was growing and able to defend itself against natural predators, according to Emily Briner, the shorebird steward coordinator for Audubon Florida. 

In her weekly emailed update, she said there are 68 adults, 28 nests and eight chicks. She also noted that the eight Longboat least tern chicks are growing fast. 

The weekly update on June 27 stated that new chicks are still showing up and the colony seems to be very comfortable. 

Shorebird breeding season runs from Feb. 15 through Sept. 1 and is an important time for the shorebirds to safely lay eggs. 

Briner also said that protective measures were increased. This includes the addition of chick crossing signs on Longboat Key, with more on the way. 

Least terns are classified as “extremely susceptible to nest disturbances,” according to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission. Common predators and disturbances include crows, raccoons, humans and dogs. 

Crow effigies were recently hung in the area around Longboat’s, which act as a natural deterrent for crows. The deterrents are intended to keep the crows from preying on the shorebird nests.  

With new measures in place, Briner said in an update that her stewards reported very few disturbances by crows or gulls lately on Longboat. 

“Adult terns can be seen taking on and successfully defending against birds two or even three times their size,” Briner’s email said.

Humans and their dogs can also cause shorebird nest disturbances, and Assistant to the Town Manager Susan Phillips distributed a brief to remind residents of the town’s ordinances. 

“Please help us protect nesting birds, chicks, and their nesting habitat,” the release said. “The presence of dogs, even service animals, can inadvertently disturb the natural habitat, affecting the nesting grounds and resting areas for migratory birds, turtles, and other wildlife.”

All Longboat Key beaches are bird sanctuaries, according to Phillips. Dogs are not allowed on any of Longboat’s beaches, including beach access points. 

The town points dog owners toward the dog park at Bayfront Park, instead, which recently received new turf in the remaining grassy areas of the park. 

Humans often disturb nesting shorebirds by getting too close, Briner told the Observer in June. Children running through a crowd of birds isn’t good for the birds, Briner said, especially if the birds are down by the water trying to cool off or catch a meal. 

Briner is always looking for more volunteers to become shorebird stewards. The organization will provide all the necessary training and equipment, and it’s a way to spend a couple of hours enjoying the beach while educating people about the shorebirds, Briner previously said. 

To get involved, email Briner at [email protected].