How to help Florida's shorebirds, increasingly nesting on gravel roofs due to crowded beaches
Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC)
With shorebird and seabird nesting season underway, during March through August, the FWC is giving thanks to building owners who host species of birds - such as black skimmers, least terns, roseate terns and American oystercatchers - that often nest on their roofs.
Shorebirds and seabirds typically nest directly on beaches along Florida’s coasts, but as shorelines become more crowded with people, less nesting space is available and birds are increasingly using gravel rooftops to nest and raise chicks. Most shorebirds and seabirds that nest on rooftops are amongst Florida's Threatened species, such as black skimmers and least terns. Currently more than 50% of Florida’s least tern population relies upon rooftops for nesting.
Building owners and managers play an important role. If you own or manage a building where shorebirds or seabirds are nesting on the roof, you can help by giving the nesting birds space and scheduling routine roof maintenance and nonemergency repairs outside of nesting season, between September and February. If unexpected repairs are required during the nesting season, building owners can work with the FWC’s regional shorebird biologists to determine how the birds can be protected while the work is being performed, and how to apply for a permit, if one is needed. Find a regional shorebird biologist near you: myfwc.com/contact/fwc-office/regional-offices.
If you are staying at a hotel or visiting a business that has rooftop nesting birds, thank management and staff for helping shorebird and seabird conservation. You can also help by volunteering to help the FWC monitor rooftop nesting locations. For volunteer opportunities in your area, please email Shorebird@MyFWC.com.
Learn more here: myfwc.com/conservation/you-conserve/wildlife/shorebirds/rooftop.
Spring is an active time for many of Florida’s wildlife species. For more information on wildlife in Spring, visit myfwc.com/news/spring-news.
To report injured or orhaned wildlife, please contact the FWC's Wildlife Alert Hotline at 1-888-404-3922 to speak with a FWC representative.