Become a Northeast Florida Bird Steward
Florida has miles of beaches, yet only a few areas remain with the habitat needed by our beach-nesting birds. Bird stewards are critical to protecting these birds and their remaining habitat from disturbances.
What does it take to be a bird steward?
The most important thing you need to be a bird steward is the desire to help our beach-nesting birds have a successful nesting season! Once you have this, there are many people that will help supply you with the information you will need.
In general, these are the important details:
- Bird stewarding mainly involves sitting near marked nesting areas at local beaches, serving as an “ambassador for the birds.” This may involve educating people interested in the birds, or reminding individuals to leash their dogs or avoid disturbing the birds.
- Volunteers usually work 3 or 4-hour shifts at a local beach, as often as possible (every shift helps!), particularly on weekends and holidays. Park entrances are free.
- Many volunteers bring their own chairs and sunshades, but these may be available for you to use at some locations. Binoculars and spotting scopes may be provided at some locations, too.
- You will be provided with a short training session so youcan learn about the birds nesting at your location and the role of the bird stewards in their protection.
- You will be provided with a handout that summarizes the key points about the birds and your role as a steward.
Why do the birds need us?
For most people, the beach is an area to play and relax. But it’s important to remember that we share the beach with wildlife – and for several species of birds, a quiet beach is the only place they can nest and raise their young.
Disturbances of the birds – especially disturbances that make the parents take flight – threaten the survival of the young. Whether due to people coming too close or dogs running by, when parents flush off the nest, their eggs and chicks are exposed to the hot killing sun and ever-present predators like crows, gulls and raccoons. If the adults are disturbed repeatedly, they may even abandon their nests.
YOU can help prevent this. The more bird stewards we have volunteering at our local beaches, the better the chances for a successful season!
Shorebird Stewards are needed during the breeding season, May through August. Contact the Shorebird Stewardship Coordinator (cfarrell@audubon.org) to set up training and to get more information.
You have to look very closely to see the 2 eggs under this Wilson’s Plover parent. That is why it is so important that we protect these habitats during breeding season.
Meet the Birds You Will Be Helping