ANNA MARIA ISLAND – Both loggerhead sea turtle and least tern nests fared well during last week’s heavy rains, according to Anna Maria Island Turtle Watch and Shorebird Monitoring.
“The storm was pretty harsh but most of our sea turtle nests survived and are still incubating for a good hatch,” according to a June 14 email from Turtle Watch.
Turtle eggs in nests that are washed over by the Gulf of Mexico for long periods can drown.
Loggerhead sea turtles are a federally threatened species. Least terns are a threatened species in Florida.
A colony of nesting least terns on Bradenton Beach is thriving, with the first chick hatching on June 14.
Turtle Watch officials offer the following reminders to beachgoers:
• Keep your distance. If birds become agitated or leave their nests, you are too close. A general rule is to stay at least 300 feet away from a nest. When birds are chased or disturbed they use energy they need to nest and care for their young.
• Respect and avoid posted areas.
• Pets are not allowed on Anna Maria Island beaches.
• Keep the beach clean and do not feed wildlife as food scraps attract predators such as raccoons and crows.
• If you see people disturbing nesting birds, gently remind them how their actions may hurt birds’ survival. If they continue to disturb nesting birds, please call and report their activities to FWC’s Wildlife Alert hotline at 888-404-FWCC (3922).
