ANNA MARIA ISLAND – The shorebird nesting season is ending on Anna Maria Island.
The season began in May as more than 120 black skimmers and 80 least terns were observed sitting on an unusually high number of nests. However, both colonies experienced significant predation by avian and mammalian predators, according to Anna Maria Island Turtle Watch and Shorebird Monitoring Executive Director Kristen Mazzarella.
The black skimmers failed to produce any chicks, but the colony of least terns produced 17 chicks, of which 11 survived to become flight-capable. Six chicks received color identification bands.
“When members of the public spot a banded bird and report its location and the color combination of its bands, that information helps scientists track the birds’ movements and learn more about their migration and survival,” Mazzarella wrote in an Aug. 7 email update.
As of Aug. 7, the number of adult least terns fluctuated between 39 and 80.
“As these birds are starting their migration from Anna Maria Island, several young-of-year chicks are migrating with the flocks from other nesting beaches and stopping on Anna Maria Island to rest and feed so they can bulk up for their journey.”
All 11 chicks have joined migrating flocks to start their journey to the Caribbean islands, and the protective beach enclosure is being dismantled.
“Least terns have nested on Bradenton Beach since 2021, and this has been the most successful season with a 65% fledge rate,” Mazzarella wrote.
Least terns are designated as a threatened species in Florida and are protected under the federal Migratory Bird Treaty Act.
“Their successful nesting on Bradenton Beach highlights the importance of protecting suitable nesting habitat and giving these vulnerable birds the space they need to raise their young,” Mazzarella wrote.
Armed with her binoculars, a spotting scope and a camera to gather data about the colony, Turtle Watch shorebird coordinator Kathy Doddridge monitored the least tern colony daily for 87 days. Every morning she shared her enthusiasm and knowledge with curious locals and visitors, teaching them the importance of protecting these special visitors to Anna Maria Island, according to Mazzarella.
Mazzarella also expressed her thanks to the Bradenton Beach Police Department and Code Enforcement Department, Manatee County Beach Patrol and the Anna Maria Island Club for their support throughout the season. Mazzarella and Turtle Watch also thank the hundreds of beachgoers who stopped to learn about the nesting birds and respected the posted boundaries and signage.
