Recently made several visits to see whats happening along our shore line. Many of the shorebirds have already left for the the far North to nest, but some nest here as well. Some of these shorebirds, too young yet for nesting, will remain in the area for the summer.
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| Wilson's Plover |
Local populations of Wilson' Plover, Snowy Plovers, American Oystercatcher nest on the beach on our barrier islands - Sanibel, Captiva, Cayo Costa and Estero Islands and Lovers Key.
Least Terns are arriving from their pelagic haunts to nest at their growing colony at Carlos Point on Estero Island. They will be joined next month by Black Skimmers for their own nesting season.
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| Wilson's Plover are nesting at Ft Myers Beach |
Sea Turtle nesting season has also begun. Hopefully we'll see a good hatch this year.
To learn more on the subject visit Turtle Time.
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| We usually see Black Bellied Plovers in their less impressive winter molt They have now molted into their more colorful breeding molt |
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| Male Sanderling in breeding molt |
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| Sanderling in alternate or breeding molt |
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| Least Terns have arrived to nest at Carlos Point on Ft Myers Beach |
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| Dunlin |
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| Fiddler Crab found at Bunche Beach Believe it is an Atlantic Sand Fiddler Crab |
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| Fiddler Crab |
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| Snowy Plover Chick |
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| American Oystercatcher |
Wonderful documentation Tom -- loved the shorebirds in breeding plumage!
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