Volunteers are needed to help protect North Florida shorebirds

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission is looking for volunteers to help with shorebird conservation in the Florida panhandle.

Shorebirds and their habitats are under serious threat from development, disturbance, predators, pollution, littering and tropical storms.

To address and minimize these threats, FWC biologists collaborate with Audubon Florida, the Florida Park Service, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the Department of Defense on shorebird and habitat protection, monitoring and stewardship across the panhandle.

Volunteer participation from the public is essential towards these efforts and is needed year-round.

Volunteer opportunities include assisting biologists on surveys of nesting, migratory and wintering shorebirds and seabirds at a variety of locations, either by land or boat.

They can also help with installation of posts and signs to protect shorebirds and their habitat.

Volunteers can also be “bird stewards” through Audubon Florida to interact with the public especially in the summer when there are more people in the area where birds are nesting or feeding.

Some knowledge of shorebirds and seabirds is helpful for potential volunteers, but it is not required.

People interested in volunteering can contact the FWC’s Northwest regional office at 850-265-3676.

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