 Photo by Emily Hunter, FWC | |||||||||
In this Issue
Events & RemindersMay 13-19: This is the third survey count window for the breeding season. Please see the Breeding Bird Protocol for details. May 23-25: Memorial Day Weekend! Shorebirds and seabirds nesting along the coast need more support during busy holiday weekends. Can you help? Please check the FSA website. Imperiled Beach-Nesting Bird (IBNB) Survey ExperiencesThe Southwest Region is hosting two shorebird monitoring experiences in June for individuals interested in becoming FWC Permitted Monitors. IBNB Permitted Monitors are dedicated individuals with proven shorebird and seabird identification skills and avian survey experience. They are qualified to assist FWC Incidental Take Permittees with minimizing and avoiding harm or harassment of imperiled beach-nesting birds during project activities.
Fill out the IBNB Permitted Monitor Interest Form. After completing the form, an email will be sent with the opportunity to sign up for an experience. Survey experiences are also available in the South Region and Northwest Region. South Florida Details:
Northwest Florida Details:
FSA News Photo by Emily Hunter, FWC World Migratory Bird Day World Migratory Bird Day will be celebrated on Saturday, May 9. This is an international campaign that raises awareness about migratory bird conservation and the challenges birds face along their journeys. This year’s global theme, “Every Bird Counts – Your Observations Matter,” highlights the crucial role of community scientists in tracking bird movements, monitoring habitats, and identifying threats. This year, the American oystercatcher is one of the featured migratory birds! Florida supports the largest concentration of wintering American oystercatchers anywhere in their range. The state is also home to a population of breeding oystercatchers, making Florida critical for the conservation and population recovery of the species. Our understanding of oystercatchers in Florida has grown significantly thanks to the dedicated efforts of Florida Shorebird Alliance (FSA) partners and the collaborative work through the American Oystercatcher Working Group. FSA partners play a crucial role in protecting Florida’s shorebirds and seabirds by collecting data to inform conservation actions. Their work ensures that species like the American oystercatcher continue to thrive along Florida’s coasts. These efforts highlight how powerful a committed group of community scientists can be, and there’s always room for more individuals ready to make a difference. If you’ve ever thought, “I’d love to spend a day at the beach watching birds while making a difference…how do I get involved?” Your local FSA partnership can help you get started with bird surveys and stewardship opportunities. Look up an event near you, suit up, and soar outdoors to celebrate World Migratory Bird Day on May 9. Your observations truly matter! Partner Spotlight: Ricardo Zambrano During his 32 years with the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC), Ricardo Zambrano has played a central role in building partnerships and elevating Florida’s conservation presence nationally and internationally, leading to significant progress for shorebird and seabird conservation. Ricardo serves as the FWC South Regional Species Conservation Biologist, managing nongame species and their habitats. He established and organized the FSA partnerships in Collier County, the Southeast region, and the Florida Keys, and continues to support these partnerships as a resource and collaborator.  Ricardo has also taken on leadership roles in environmental organizations that broaden Florida’s conservation impact, connecting him with colleagues whose expertise helps strengthen the state’s ongoing wildlife conservation efforts. As Vice-President of the Waterbird Society, Ricardo planned and hosted the 47th Annual Meeting in Fort Lauderdale in 2023 that brought global experts to Florida, providing a platform for FSA partners to share innovations in waterbird conservation. Ricardo’s professional collaborations also contributed to a major conservation milestone: helping to attract roseate terns to the Dry Tortugas for the first time since the late 1970s. With assistance from electricians and technical specialists, he used social attraction tools including decoys, and a solar powered system broadcasting calls around the clock to reestablish a colony after hurricane losses in 2005. Today, the Dry Tortugas remain the only site in the continental U.S. where roseate terns, bridled terns, brown noddies, sooty terns, magnificent frigatebirds, and masked boobies nest. After more than three decades of working with imperiled species in South Florida, Ricardo is a leader and collaborator who continues to inspire partners, volunteers, and future scientists to actively engage in shorebird and seabird conservation. Snowy Plover Chicks are Hatching!  Photo Credits: Samantha Hinsz, Sanibel Captiva Conservation Foundation (left) and Emily Hunter, FWC (right) Snowy plover chicks have begun hatching in Southwest Florida and the Panhandle. These semi-precocial chicks leave the nest within hours and rely on their parents for 28-42 days until they fledge. As seen in the photos above, snowy plover chicks, as well as most flightless young shorebirds, are extremely well camouflaged and easy to miss on the beach. While beach-nesting birds may be most active from mid-February to the end of August, it’s best to avoid beach-driving whenever possible. If you are authorized to drive on the beach, please follow these guidelines:
Please respect all posted areas and stay on designated walkways. If you spot snowy plovers nesting or tending chicks, maintain a wide buffer. If the birds appear agitated or leave their nest, you’re too close and should back away. As a general guideline, stay at least 300 feet away. Your awareness and care on the beach help protect Florida’s smallest and most vulnerable shorebirds. FSD Updates We do not currently have dedicated fields in the FSD to report banded breeding birds. However, if banded birds are observed nesting during your survey, please record the full band combinations in the Solitary Nest Site Description and Nest Site Visit Comments. See examples below! Solitary Nest Site Description:  Nest Site Visit Comments:  These details are critical for verifying renesting and linking chicks to their natal nests. However, entering band information in the FSD is not a substitute for reporting bands to the Bird Banding Lab or the appropriate researchers. Please be sure to report band resights with both. Visit the FSA’s Banded Birds page to learn where to report banded birds – who you report bands to varies by species and band combinations. Ebb Tidings Photo by Emily Hunter, FWC Least Terns Are Back! Keep an eye on the skies. Least tern breeding season is here! These charismatic birds migrate from Central and South America each spring to nest in Florida, where up to a third of their range-wide population breeds. As you watch for birds nesting on sandy beaches and shell islands, don’t forget to look up. About half of the population of breeding least terns in Florida nest on gravel rooftops, making them essential habitat for the species. Building rooftops provide important alternative nesting habitat for shorebirds and seabirds, many of which are considered imperiled. | |||||||||
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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Friday, May 1, 2026
Wrack Line - The Florida Shorebird Alliance Newsletter May 2026
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