Audubon: Avoid bird nesting areas at beaches

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – Florida Audubon is urging beach goers to stay out of areas posted as bird nesting areas.

Unlike many species, sea birds lay their eggs directly on the sand and are often invisible to the untrained eye. Julie Waithmell of Audubon Florida said disturbing the birds could be catastrophic.

Recommended Videos



"Most people don't even realize that birds nest on beaches," she said. "They expect a nest to be in a tree or bush, but these birds lay their eggs directly on the sand. Park biologists post protected areas for them, but people will look into the posted area and not see anything and think, 'It's OK for me to cross the twine line.' When they do that, it flushes the parents from the eggs and chicks. It leaves them exposed to the sun or to predators or even to crushing under foot."

Most beach nesting birds are on the state threatened species list of rare and declining birds.