Scientists estimate that North American bird populations have declined by nearly 3 billion since 1970. While it would be difficult for Tampa Bay residents to make a meaningful impact on birds like the eastern meadowlark, nearly anyone can be a lifeline for the birds fighting to survive here.
Habitat loss – as humans move into spaces where birds once lived – is the most significant threat to birds in Florida, but volunteers can help protect birds living in close proximity to our homes. As the summer nesting season kicks off, Audubon Florida has scheduled a series of training events to prepare volunteers to work as citizen scientists, documenting bird nesting habits and protecting them in the most vulnerable times of their lives.
Beach bird stewards are the front-line defense for beach-nesting birds that have evolved to lay their eggs in shallow scrapes on beaches. While many nesting sites are roped off to protect the birds from beach-goers, bird stewards help ensure that people and pets continue to avoid the birds and their nests. They wear bright yellow t-shirts emblazoned with the words “Ask me about the birds” because most people are curious and want to help.
“Excess disturbance by people, their dogs, and beach toys can heavily impact an entire breeding season for beach-nesting birds,” says Kara Cook, Tampa Bay area shorebird program manager for Audubon Florida. Bird stewards aren’t asked to commit to a certain number of days, but they’re most needed on busy holiday weekends when beaches are crowded. Training classes for bird stewards are scheduled:…