Conservation Efforts in Navarre Beach
The Navarre Beach community passionately engages in conservation efforts, championing projects that safeguard essential coastal habitats and crucial stopovers for migratory birds. We turned to Brian for a deep dive into the importance of these habitats for our feathered friends. He shared exciting details about local conservation initiatives and offered inspiring tips on how everyone can join in and make a difference while enjoying their birding experience.
Can you explain the importance of certain habitats for migratory birds in the area?
“Preserving stop-over habitat for migrating birds is crucial to their survival. As birds migrate to and from their breeding grounds, they must stop to rest and refuel. Nutrient-rich areas like estuaries and tidal mud flats provide migrating birds with the resources they need to continue their journeys.”
Can you discuss recent bird conservation projects in Santa Rosa County and their impacts?
“As part of the Florida Shorebird Alliance, Audubon FL and Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) work year-round to conserve and protect what’s left of coastal habitats that are critical to the survival of our imperiled beach-nesting birds. Our five focal species are Least Terns, Black Skimmers, Snowy Plovers, Wilson’s Plovers, and Piping Plovers.”
Community Involvement
What role does the community play in supporting bird conservation and birdwatching activities in Navarre Beach?
“We encourage the community to be stewards for the birds and the spaces we share with them. Remember to stash your trash. Trash and food scraps attract predators, such as raccoons and crows. Litter, including fishing lines, can entangle birds, turtles, and other wildlife. Help shorebirds and other native wildlife by properly disposing of all trash, filling in human-made holes in the sand, and removing all personal gear from the beach before sunset. Do the flock walk. Keep at least 300 feet from nesting birds, stay out of posted areas, and walk around flocks of birds resting on the shoreline.”
How Birdwatchers Can Help
How can birdwatchers contribute to conservation efforts while enjoying their hobby?
“One way to contribute to conservation efforts is to become a Bird Steward through the Audubon FL Coastal Bird Stewardship Program. At beach-nesting sites, stewards who volunteer help ensure beachgoers do not enter fragile nesting areas and help educate visitors about the remarkable species that rely on Florida’s shores for survival. Audubon will train volunteers to be confident enough to educate the public on why protecting these imperiled species is important.”
We also spoke with nature photographer and Florida native Jeff Waldorff, who had an important suggestion for photographing nesting birds near roadways or parking lots. “It’s best to do so from your car window”, Jeff explains. “They are so accustomed to cars, the birds don’t pay any attention to them–it’s like watching them from a blind. This way, it doesn’t disturb the birds while they’re on the nest, which means it’s safer for the eggs and chicks.”
