Wrack Line - The Florida Shorebird Alliance Newsletter April 2026

The Florida Shorebird Alliance Newsletter April 2026 Photo by Emily Hunter Having trouble viewing this email? View it as a Web page.

In this Issue Events & Trainings FSA News FSD Updates Ebb Tidings Events & Trainings April 9: 9:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m. (EST): Timucuan Bird Steward Training. Ribault Clubhouse. Contact Hailey Dedmon or Chris Farrell April 15: 1:00 p.m.-4:00 p.m. (EST) Marine Discovery Center Winter Birding Tour. Contact Lisa Mickey or Register here April 15: 6:30 p.m. (EST): Sarasota Bird Steward Training. Register here April 17: 3:00 p.m. (EST): Lee County Bird Steward Training. Pink Shell Resort on Fort Myers Beach. Register here April 18: 1:00 p.m. (EST): Collier County Bird Steward Training. Rookery Bay Environmental Learning Center. Register here April 22: 6:30 p.m. (EST): Three Rooker Islands Bird Steward Training. Register here April 23: 6:30 p.m. (EST): Pinellas County Black Skimmer Steward Training. Register here Reminders April 15-21: Second breeding season survey count window, see the Breeding Bird Protocol  FSA News Photo by Emily Hunter Nesting Season is Underway Florida Shorebird Alliance partners hit the ground running this nesting season by posting breeding sites, hosting education and outreach events, and attending trainings and webinars. If you missed the webinars, you can find recordings on the Resources tab of the Florida Shorebird Database webpage. Florida Panhandle FSA Partners documented the first snowy plover nests of the season in early March at Gulf Islands National Seashore and Dog Island – nesting season has begun!  Photo by Emily Hunter Photo by Emily Hunter Welcome Jade Woodling! Please join us in welcoming Jade Woodling as the new Florida Shorebird Alliance Coordinator! Jade joins us from the Santa Fe College Teaching Zoo, where she served as Conservation Education Coordinator. She brings extensive experience in collaboration, partnership building, and outreach. She also has a background in community science, serving as Coordinator for the Gainesville FrogWatch USA and Co-coordinator of the City Nature Challenge in Alachua County. We are excited to have her in her new role as FSA Coordinator! ID Corner A greater and lesser yellowlegs were recently observed side by side at St. Marks National Wildlife Refuge, providing a unique opportunity to compare these two shorebird species. Both species of yellowlegs are seen overwintering and during migration in Florida. The lesser yellowlegs [left] and greater yellowlegs [right] may seem similar at first glance, but they differ notably in size and a few key characteristics. The greater yellowlegs is the larger of the two, measuring about 14 inches in length with a wingspan of approximately 28 inches, while the lesser yellowlegs is smaller, averaging around 10.5 inches long with a wingspan of about 24 inches. Both yellowlegs have long, bright yellow legs and a similar body shape, but the greater yellowlegs—slightly smaller than the more familiar willet—can be easily distinguished by its longer, slightly upturned bill, which is noticeably longer than its head. In contrast, the lesser yellowlegs have a shorter, straighter bill that remains slender and delicate. Both species are typically seen foraging for invertebrates in shallow tidal flats, coastal areas, and open wetlands, but the lesser yellowlegs tend to favor more vegetated, less open mudflats, while the greater yellowlegs are more likely to be seen in open habitats.  Photo by FWC FSD Updates Webinars and Resources The 2026 Florida Shorebird Database (FSD) webinar recordings are now available! These webinars walk you through how to survey routes and rooftops using the Breeding Bird Protocol and how to enter data into the FSD. Click the links below or visit the Resources tab on the FSD website to view the recordings.  2026 New Route Surveyor (57:08) 2026 Returning Route Surveyor (46:26) 2026 Rooftop Monitors (42:26) If you have any questions during the season about the Breeding Bird Protocol, Count Windows, data entry, or need assistance with the FSD, please reach out to us at FLShorebirdDatabase@MyFWC.com. Ebb Tidings Photo by FWC Just Loafing Around Next time you plan a relaxing day on the beach, take a few notes from the Black Skimmer on kicking back after a long day of activity. But first, grab your scope and gaze upon their unique hunting strategy. With their defined black and white feathers, and striking red and black bill, you’ll surely have no trouble spotting them. With mouth agape, the birds skim their long lower bill along the water’s surface, slamming shut on unsuspecting prey when they touch a fish. After hours of hard-core fishing, Black Skimmers have found the ultimate way to veg out - they loaf! These terrific trappers plop themselves onto the sand and extend fully to rest their neck muscles. Now, that’s how to take a load off.

Want to get involved?     Email Shorebird@MyFWC.com for more information about your local partnership.     Join the flock on social media: Florida Shorebird Alliance Facebook Group   The Florida Shorebird Alliance (FSA) is a partnership of agencies, non-government organizations, and individuals committed to shorebird and seabird conservation in Florida. FSA partners coordinate their independent work and collaborate to address research, management, education, outreach, and public policy needs.

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