FWC has issued a big thank you to building owners for hosting shorebirds and seabirds that nest on their roofs from March through August.
Shorebirds and seabirds need a place to nest as the open beach space which is their typical nesting spot continues to shrink. It’s becoming increasingly difficult for the birds to locate undisturbed space to raise their young as beaches become more crowded. It is critical as “Most shorebirds and seabirds that nest on rooftops are State-threatened species. For example, more than 50% of Florida’s least tern population relies on rooftops for nesting grounds. Any harassment or harm, even unintentional, is considered “take” and is therefore unlawful.”
Here’s how you can help:
Say a big Thank You to the hotels and other businesses who accommodate these feathered guests.
Volunteer to help FWC monitor rooftop nests Shorebird@MyFWC.com
If you own or manage a building you can help by giving nesting birds space and contact an FWC Regional Shorebird Biologist for assistance.
“These ‘islands in the sky’ are essential to ensuring the future of our iconic coastal species,” said Julie Wraithmell, executive director of Audubon Florida. “Every roof counts as Florida loses ground nesting sites to sea level rise and disturbance.”
For more information, go to MyFWC.com/Shorebirds and click on “Rooftop Nesting”.