Threatened Shorebird Nests Found on Volusia Beaches

The nests of multiple threatened shorebird species have been observed in Volusia County, the county government announced on Wednesday. Least terns and Wilson’s plovers are choosing local sands as the birthplace of their next generations. Both state and federal laws protect these species from harassment or harm by humans. Nests are surrounded with barriers and ‘Do Not Enter’ signs, the county says, so beachgoers know to leave the area alone. These species are known to lay their eggs in the sand, making them particularly vulnerable to destruction or predation. Among the greatest risks to them are humans on the beach and dogs off-leash. Either one could cause a valuable member of a threatened species to be lost before it can even hatch. Least terns are said to lay two or three eggs in a typical nest, with both parents incubating them for three weeks. Both least terns and Wilson’s plovers are able to fly three to four weeks after hatching. The two species are also each known to defend their eggs from potential predators. According to the Volusia County government, two least tern colonies and six Wilson’s plover nests have been seen. These are said to be on Disappearing Island near Bethune Beach Park, Smyrna Dunes Park, and at two vacant properties in Daytona Beach near the beach. Those who witness people disturbing protected shorebird nests are asked by the Volusia County government to report them to the Florida Fish & Wildlife Commission. Their Wildlife Alert Hotline is 888-404-3922, and their email is Tip@MyFWC.com.