FWC: July Fourth fun shouldn’t disrupt the flocks

With crowds flocking to the beach for the Fourth of July, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) has some reminders for sharing this critical nesting habitat with vulnerable shorebirds and seabirds.

The FWC asks beachgoers to be a champion for chicks and their parents during this critical nesting time by: 

• Keeping at least 300 feet from nesting birds, walking around flocks and staying out of posted Critical Wildlife Areas to avoid flushing adults away from chicks and eggs.

• Leaving the dog at home, as even well-behaved Fido scares adult birds away from vulnerable nests.

• Refraining from setting off personal fireworks.

– Anne Geggis, Extensive Enterprises