Celebrating a Great Year for Wilson’s Plovers

With a lack of major storms in 2025, our team saw encouraging results for many coastal bird species all around the Sunshine State, thanks in large part to the dedication of our incredible shorebird steward staff and volunteers. 

In the Florida Panhandle, nesting at Tyndall Air Force Base resulted in an incredible year for Wilson’s Plovers, which produced 39 fledglings — a record! In fact, staff observed an increase in Wilson’s Plover nesting activity across the Panhandle and beyond, with reports by Audubon staff and our Florida Shorebird Alliance partners of newly established pairs in areas where they had not previously been recorded.

According to Senior Coordinator of Shorebird Stewardship Brian Cammarano, up to five pairs of Wilson’s Plover held territories and successfully nested throughout the one-mile stretch of suitable habitat within the University of West Florida Research Property on Pensacola Beach. 

“We observed all five pairs with brooding chicks at some point throughout the season and were able to confirm at least two successfully fledged chicks,” says Cammarano. 

We hope this is an early indicator of an upward trend in Wilson’s Plover productivity as we continue to closely monitor this imperiled beach-nesting species.

New Protections for Wilson’s Plovers: 

In December 2025, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission voted favorably on a petition submitted by Audubon, agreeing that Wilson’s Plovers warrant imperiled species protections in Florida! Now considered a “Candidate Species” while the agency develops a management plan, Wilson’s Plovers and their habitat will enjoy the protections of state-Threatened species for the first time in 2026!

This article first appeared in the 2025 Coastal Report. Click here to read full report.