Share the shore with nesting shorebirds

Posted On: May 23, 2023

Love is in the air on Disappearing Island, and the results are on the ground – in the form of shorebird nests.

Volusia County employees have observed several least tern and Wilson’s plover nests on the popular boaters’ destination near Ponce Inlet. Both species are threatened.

Because shorebirds are protected by state and federal laws, Volusia County’s Environmental Management Division has posted a barrier and “do not enter” signs on Disappearing Island and in Smyrna Dunes Park advising people and pets to stay out of the posted areas.

This is where residents can help.

Shorebirds lay their eggs directly on the sand and flightless chicks will run on the sand until they can fly. The nests are camouflaged and the tiny chicks are hard to see. Unfortunately, they’re no match for frolicking people and playful dogs that can destroy a nesting colony in moments. If adult birds are frightened, they may fly off and leave the eggs exposed to predators and prolonged sun exposure.

“If you see people entering the posted area or letting dogs run off leash near a posted area, gently let them know their actions may harm the birds and that eggs and small, flightless chicks are camouflaged and difficult to see,” advised Jaymie Reneker, manager of the county’s Habitat Conservation Plan Program. 

If they continue to disturb the birds, report their activities to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission’s wildlife hotline at 888-404-3922 or by texting Tip@MyFWC.com. Residents can also report any unposted nests to the hotline.

Disappearing Island, which is accessible only by boat, appears during low tide each day as the water recedes in the inlet between Ponce Inlet and New Smyrna Beach.

Wilson’s plovers are sandy brown with a white underside and heavy bills. These solitary birds hunt fiddler crabs and are vulnerable to disturbances. With restricted ranges, they seldom wander far from ocean coastlines. They are a species of greatest conservation need in Florida. Eggs incubate for 24 to 25 days and then the chicks will learn to fly in 31 to 35 days.

Least terns, which are listed as a threatened species in Florida, have a grayish-white body and a black-capped head, narrow wings, yellow legs and a yellow bill. They tend to nest in colonies and are aggressive in defending their nests. Least tern eggs incubate for 19 to 25 days, and chicks learn to fly in another 19 to 20 days. The males on Disappearing Island can be seen courting females with tiny fish and a nest-scraping ritual that would melt any woman’s heart.