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Shorebird Stewards Gear Up for Nesting Season in Florida
The Florida Shorebird Alliance kicks off training and outreach events across the state.
Apr. 1, 2026 at 7:21pm
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The Florida Shorebird Alliance (FSA) is preparing for the start of nesting season by hosting a series of training sessions and outreach events for volunteers who will monitor and protect shorebird breeding sites across the state. The newsletter highlights upcoming events, introduces the new FSA coordinator, and provides tips for identifying and appreciating the state's diverse shorebird species.
Why it matters
Shorebirds face numerous threats to their nesting habitats and breeding success in Florida, including development, human disturbance, and predation. The work of the FSA and its volunteer stewards is crucial for conserving these vulnerable bird populations and educating the public about their importance.
The details
The FSA is hosting a variety of training sessions in April for volunteers to learn how to monitor nesting sites and report data through the Florida Shorebird Database. These trainings will take place in regions across the state, including Timucuan, Sarasota, Lee County, Collier County, Three Rooker Islands, and Pinellas County. The newsletter also introduces Jade Woodling as the new FSA coordinator, who brings experience in community science and outreach. Additionally, the newsletter provides tips for distinguishing between the similar-looking greater and lesser yellowlegs shorebird species.
- The first snowy plover nests of the season were documented in early March at Gulf Islands National Seashore and Dog Island.
- The second breeding season survey count window is April 15-21.
The players
Hailey Dedmon
Contact for the Timucuan Bird Steward Training.
Chris Farrell
Contact for the Timucuan Bird Steward Training.
Lisa Mickey
Contact for the Marine Discovery Center Winter Birding Tour.
Jade Woodling
The new Florida Shorebird Alliance Coordinator, joining from the Santa Fe College Teaching Zoo.
FWC
The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, which provided the photo of the greater and lesser yellowlegs.
The takeaway
The Florida Shorebird Alliance's coordinated efforts to train and mobilize volunteer stewards are crucial for protecting vulnerable shorebird populations during the nesting season, raising awareness about these species, and collecting valuable data to inform conservation efforts.
