Audubon Florida Needs Your Eyes and Ears: Look for Sea and Shorebirds on Local Rooftops

It’s the most wonderful time of the year— shorebird nesting season! Did you know that not all shorebirds nest on the seashore? Some shorebirds use gravel rooftops as an alternative nesting habitat.

Which Bird Species Nest on Rooftops?

Species like Black Skimmer, Least Tern, and American Oystercatcher utilize urban habitats from March through August. These species are threatened in the state of Florida, and they are protected by state regulations.

Look for them flying, hovering, or landing on rooftops. Their calls are high-pitched squeaks, and they call frequently.

How Do We Protect Them?

It is illegal to harm, harass, or disturb nesting shorebirds and their eggs or chicks, even when they’re on a roof. That includes activities that may unintentionally cause the adults to leave their nests, exposing eggs or chicks to the elements and predation.

Throughout the nesting season, biologists monitor rooftop-nesting birds and potential nesting sites across the Tampa Bay area in partnership with local property owners, municipalities, and the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission. In addition to monitoring, some chick protection tools are used to provide cover from predators or reduce the chances of a chick falling. Volunteers who receive training also play critical roles in their protection by conducting ground-based surveys, educating residents, and assisting with chick rescues. Monitoring efforts track nesting success, address disturbances, and ensure a quick response in the event of a fallen chick.

Once rooftop nesting season gets underway, Audubon encourages building managers, business owners, and residents of buildings with flat, gravel rooftops to be aware of shorebird activity overhead. Other ways to help include keeping dumpsters closed to deter predators from the area and keeping an eye out for fallen chicks.

What Can You Do? 

Email us! If you notice birds nesting on your building, avoid accessing the roof and reach out to Audubon’s Rooftop Biologist Abby McKay for guidance. 

Are you looking to volunteer to help beach and rooftop nesting birds this year? Wherever you are in Florida, sign up to volunteer here.