Pelican in Naples
According to a recent article in the New York Times by Deborah Cramer, a visiting scholar at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, “The number of North American long-distance migrating shorebirds that scientists have tracked has dropped by more than half since 1974, an alarming loss of 12 million birds.” Cramer also states that although the rate of bird extinctions is increasing, careful conservation practices have helped birds such as the bald eagle, peregrine falcon, and brown pelican recover from the harm done by the insecticide DDT.
The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission’s list of “imperiled species” includes many birds found in our area, including tricolored herons, white ibis, snowy egrets, roseate spoonbills, little blue herons, black skimmers, brown pelicans, least terns, and piping plovers.
Unfortunately for both birds and humans, shorebirds are on the decline, and disturbing birds on the beach is contributing to the problem. Fortunately, we all can make a few changes in our beach routines that can help shorebirds thrive again.
Teaching children to observe
Tell your children to look at the birds from a short distance away and to watch how they clean their feathers. Encourage them to notice all the beautiful markings, legs, size and color of their beaks, and eyes. While preening, or grooming themselves, birds may flap their wings to give themselves sand or dust baths for the purpose of getting rid of parasites. In order to fly, birds need to keep their feathers in good working order. Notice them pulling their feathers one-by-one to clean and tidy them. They also waterproof each feather by spreading it with an oily substance secreted by a tiny gland, the uropygial gland, at the base of the tail. Feathers need to fit together like the teeth of a closed zipper. Polluted water destroys the waterproofing, and as a result birds can get water logged and chilled.
Looking for signs
Maybe you’ve noticed the signs on some beaches telling you not to disturb shore birds. Two volunteers at the Conservancy of Southwest Florida, Bonnie Michaels and Jan Bachrach, wanted to raise awareness so they took the initiative to collect funds to make the signs. They worked with county and city Parks and Recreation departments to install the signs, and they trained volunteers to approach and talk with beach goers. According to Mrs. Michaels, people don’t realize that birds sleep on the beach, that it’s their bedroom. When children chase or adults walk through a flock, the birds are greatly disturbed. According to Joanna Fitzgerald, director of the von Arx Wildlife Hospital, at the Conservancy of Southwest Florida, “People really underestimate wildlife – what they go through and still survive is amazing.
The von Arx Wildlife Hospital at the Conservancy is a working hospital, as creatures need to be fed, injuries addressed, and cages cleaned. Birds receive water therapy, and some need time in flight enclosures.
Don’t feed the birds
While many people enjoy feeding birds at the beach it’s a bad idea, for both birds and people. If you feed birds, they start to look for and expect a handout. Some birds have been known to hover around people who are eating, and others have dug into diaper bags looking for food. Either way, such handouts don’t provide the natural diet that birds need. Healthy birds don’t weigh very much, and our fast food and carbs will harm their health.
By encouraging your children to learn and enjoy these creatures that share the beaches and shorelines with us, you’re also helping to preserve them for future generations.
RESOURCES:
Visitors to the Conservancy can check out the viewing area at the hospital to get a glimpse of the birds and other wildlife being treated. For details about visiting and volunteering, visit www.conservancy.org.
Shore birds and their feathers, nests, and eggs are protected under the Federal Migratory Bird Treaty Act, state laws, and county ordinances. You can report wildlife violations by calling (888) 404-3922.
Another important resource for protecting our shorebirds is the Collier County Shorebird Partnership. You can learn more about this organization at www.colliershorebirds.wordpress.com