August 31, 2024 —

Hi everyone!

Hello everyone! Welcome to the final Beach Nesting Bird Update for the 2024 season! 

For the final time this season – North Lido Black Skimmers!: 

The skimmer site has officially been taken down, marking the end of a successful nesting season. Our final chick is now flight-capable, but it will continue to stick around the area for a bit longer. As it builds up confidence in its wings and its landings, we can still catch glimpses of this young skimmer exploring its surroundings and perfecting its skills! Some adults can still be seen at the waterline either with fledges not confident enough for migration or relaxing between island hoping themselves. 

I want to say thank you to everyone who reads these emails. Keeping yourself and others informed about our local seabirds and shorebirds is one of the best practices in helping to preserve these species and their habitats for years to come. I work hard to make these updates and hope you find them both fun and informative!

For those of you I’ve had the pleasure of working and collaborating with this nesting season, it’s truly been a delight. Thank you for being a part of my incredible first season of beach nesting birds! I am grateful for how many of you have reached out with kudos and kind words in my last week. From the county staff, local law enforcement, and FWC, to citizen scientists, volunteers, and beach-goers, everyone worked together to help fledge approximately 180 Least Terns and 270 Black Skimmers county-wide! These numbers are not insignificant! Every fledgling that makes it through the season brings us one step closer to stabilizing these threatened populations. Your ongoing commitment is vital to the long-term success of these species. You make a significant impact, and the birds appreciate it even more than I do.

As a reminder, these species are still protected during the off-season, so let’s review some beach nesting bird basics:

• Keep a safe distance: When observing shorebirds, maintain a respectful distance to avoid causing unnecessary stress or disturbance, even when they are not in roped-off areas. Use binoculars or a camera with a zoom lens to get a closer look without intruding on their space. While it may seem fun to let kids run through flocks of birds at the waterline, remember that the birds need to cool off too, so let’s give them their space!
• Remember, pets are not allowed on Sarasota County beaches: This rule ensures the safety of shorebirds, humans, and pets. By respecting this rule, we minimize disturbance and protect both wildlife and pets.
• Dispose of trash properly: Litter can attract predators and pose a threat to shorebirds. Be sure to dispose of trash in designated bins to help keep beaches clean and safe for wildlife.

Here are some contacts you can reach out to during the off-season if you have any questions or concerns about our local feathered friends:

• Holley Short (Audubon Shorebird Program Manager):holley.short@audubon.org – for questions regarding the steward program or nest monitoring. We’re always looking for new shorebird stewards!
• Kylie Wilson (FWC Regional Shorebird Biologist):kylie.wilson@myfwc.com – for questions or concerns regarding shorebirds, seabirds, and conservation efforts
• Save Our Seabirds (Local Bird Rehab & Rescue): 941-388-3010 – for birds you see in distress or needing medical assistance
• If you’d like to reach out to me directly, my contact information is below. Please note that my position is seasonal and my final day is Sunday, September 1st. After that, all communications to this email address should be directed to Holley Short.

I can’t wait to see what we accomplish together in the upcoming years. Here’s to many more successful nesting seasons ahead! Thank you! And regardless of what time of year it is, remember to stay hydrated 🙂

Emily Briner
Sarasota Shorebird Steward Coordinator
440-865-1700
emily.briner@audubon.org
Audubon Florida, Sarasota, FL
FLbeachbirds.org