Shorebird chicks and hatchling sea turtles have yet to earn their independence. Many are just days away.
The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission is pleading for the public to be aware of shorebird nests and abstain from lighting any fireworks on the beach this July 4th weekend, as many birds re-nest for their final chance to successfully raise young this season.
It’s the least we can do for the threatened least tern and our other feathered friends that live beachside, conservationists say, not to mention the countless potential next generation of sea turtles.
Fireworks make birds and turtles flee their young
Fireworks and other loud noise can cause shore birds to flee their nests and abandon their young.
Loud bangs and bright lights put birds and turtles in “fight-flight” mode. But with nothing to fight, they opt for flight.
Curious people, nosey unleashed dogs, and here in Brevard County, rocket launches and other random loud noises can spook skittish roosting terns into leaving their nests, never returning to their eggs or fledglings.
Dogs and cats will kill beach birds. And trash left behind trash can lure more of predators such as racoons. Baby shorebirds are often so well-camouflaged they can get crushed under foot.
According to FWC, here’s why we should care and what we should and shouldn’t do to spare nesting shorebirds and sea turtles:
Why care?
Our beaches are vital spring and summer nesting spots for federally threatened and endangered sea turtles, including loggerhead, leatherback and green sea turtles, with occasional nesting by federally endangered Kemp’s ridley sea turtles.
Many beaches, spoil islands, small islands and shell rakes in Brevard are important for imperiled shorebirds and seabirds, such as least terns, snowy plovers, black skimmers and American oystercatchers.
So what’s the right thing to do regarding fireworks?
FWC says:
Leave fireworks to the professionals and keep personal fireworks off the beach and at home.
If you spot a sea turtle nesting, keep at least 50 feet away to avoid causing her to leave the beach before nesting.
Give hatchling sea turtles the same space to avoid disrupting their path from the sand to the ocean. If an animal changes its behavior, you’re likely too close. It is illegal to harm or disturb nesting sea turtles, their nests and eggs, or to pick up hatchlings.
Walk around any birds on the beach. Shorebirds and seabirds nest in shallow, hard-to-see scrapes in the sand and their tiny eggs and chicks are well camouflaged and difficult to spot. Give beach-nesting birds at least 300 feet of space to avoid causing them to fly off, which would leave vulnerable eggs and chicks exposed to dangerous elements and predators.
Stay out of posted areas on the water or on land. Be on the lookout for posted shorebird or sea turtle nesting sites and watch for signs designating Critical Wildlife Areas (CWAs) on the beach or coastal islands. These areas are closed to public access to protect high concentrations of wading birds and shorebirds while they nest and raise their chicks.
Beachgoers, boaters and personal watercraft users can help nesting birds by giving them space and keeping noise volumes low near CWAs. If you spot large concentrations of wading birds in trees growing in the water or on islands, it might be an active nesting site even if not posted. Avoid getting too close to prevent disturbance.
Dispose of or recycle all trash, fill in human-made holes in the sand, and remove all toys and beach furniture from the sand. Obstacles on the beach can entrap sea turtles or prevent them from nesting. Trash and other obstacles can also prevent sea turtle hatchlings from reaching the water when they emerge, as well as entangle adult turtles, birds and other wildlife.
Don’t leave any food behind. It can lure raccoons and other predators that can feed on sea turtle hatchlings, shorebird eggs and chicks.
Don’t leave fishing line behind. It can be deadly to sea turtles, waterbirds and other wildlife. To find a monofilament recycling station near you, visit mrrp.myfwc.com.
Turn off lights or close curtains after dark to ensure nesting turtles are not disturbed or disoriented. If lighting is still visible, make sure exterior lighting next to nesting beaches is long, low and shielded. Don’t use flashlights, cell phone lights and taking flash photos after dark.
Keep pets at home or on a short leash and far away from wildlife.
Where can I learn more?
Visit MyFWC.com/Shorebirds or FLShorebirdAlliance.org to learn more about how to participate in shorebird and seabird conservation efforts.
For information about nesting sea turtles and how you can help, visit MyFWC.com/SeaTurtle.
What if I see wildlife in peril?
Reporting anyone disturbing wildlife to FWC’s Wildlife Alert Hotline at 888-404-FWCC (3922).
Waymer covers the environment. Reach him at (321) 261-5903 or jwaymer@floridatoday.com. Follow him on X at @JWayEnviro.
This article originally appeared on Florida Today: Wildlife officials: fireworks, dogs traumatize nesting birds, turtles