We wanted to share this short, educational video that highlights the threats Sanibel shorebirds face every day.
Produced by the City of Sanibel, in partnership with the Sanibel-Captiva Conservation Foundation, “Ding” Darling Wildlife Society, and Sanibel-Captiva Audubon Society, the video also showcases simple ways visitors to the island can be good neighbors to shorebirds and other coastal wildlife.
Some helpful tips:
- Give wildlife space. Stay out of posted nesting areas and keep your distance from nesting shorebirds and other wildlife areas. Fly kites away from posted areas.
- Never chase wildlife. Forcing birds to fly wastes precious energy reserves needed for nesting and migration. Flushing birds may also lead to nest abandonment and leave eggs and nestlings vulnerable to predators and the hot Florida sun.
- Do not feed wildlife.Food scraps attract predators such as crows and gulls to the area, which prey on shorebirds and their hatchlings.
- Secure trash that may injure or entrap wildlife.
- Remove all beach furniture and equipment from the beach by dusk to avoid nesting obstacles or wildlife entrapments.
- Fill holes/level sandcastles after your beach day. Flightless chicks and sea turtle hatchlings and may fall into holes and become trapped.
- Leave the wrack line undisturbed to provide shorebirds food and critical habitat.
- Keep off the dune vegetation. Beach vegetation protects wildlife and our homes from coastal erosion.
- Teach your family and friends these important conservation tips!
