This week AMITW partnered with the Sea Turtle Conservancy and sponsor Hurricane Hanks to apply a satellite tag to a nesting loggerhead sea turtle on Coquina Beach. The turtle, named Krysta, will be tracked as part of the Tour de Turtles, an event that follows the marathon migration of sea turtles from their nesting beaches to their foraging grounds to raise awareness about threats to sea turtles on land and in the water. Krysta’s cause is Beach Erosion which reduces the nesting beach habitat for sea turtles. You can learn more about Beach Erosion and track Krysta’s travels at www.tourdeturtles.org/turtles.
Surprise Nesting Turtle!
We are still seeing nesting turtles and awaiting our first hatch. We actually had a surprise nest on the Bayside of the southern end of the island this week. Manatee County staff alerted us to a turtle nesting at sunrise this week near the South Coquina Boat ramp. This nest has been posted and caged to prevent raccoon predation and will be monitored throughout the season.
Manatee County staff observed a turtle nesting at sunrise near the South Coquina boat ramp. This area is not normally patrolled by AMITW but it will be checked daily until this nest hatches. Credit: Aimie Johnson, Manatee County
Protect Turtles This Holiday Weekend
While you enjoy this holiday weekend, please keep an eye out for sea turtles and their crawls. Here are some ways you can help us protect the sea turtles that nest on AMI beaches:
Please check the area for turtle crawls before you place your canopies and beach chairs
Remove all beach furniture and toys from the beach at night.
Fill in holes that may entrap turtles crawling up to lay their nests
Keep beach facing lights off or turtle-friendly and shielded and close blinds at sunset
Do not use flashlights, cellphones, flash photography or fishing lamps on the beach.
Do not approach nesting turtles or shine lights at turtles
Flatten sandcastles so turtles have a clear path to lay their nests
Respect posted areas. Keep at least 5 feet away from posted sea turtle nests.
If you encounter a nesting turtle, remain quiet and observe from a distance.
If you see a sea turtle in trouble, call AMITW at 941-301-8434 or FWC at 888-404-3922
Krysta, a nesting loggerhead sea turtle enters the water with her new satellite tag. She will be tracked as part of the Sea Turtle Conservancy’s Tour de Turtles. You can watch her travels at www.tourdeturtles/turtles. Credit: Jerry Miller
Unfortunately, the Black Skimmer colony was deemed inactive this week with no nests hatched and all the birds have left the enclosure. However, the Least Terns continue to persist inside the colony and have nine chicks that are doing well, with more chicks to hatch in the coming weeks.
AMITW volunteers and beachgoers have enjoyed naming the Least Tern chicks. We now have Persi, Vera and Nancy; then Amelia and Charlie; Carlos and Leon (da Boyz) and finally Pearl and Opal “the Gems”. With seven nests still being incubated, future chicks will be named Indy and Daly (for Independence Day); Merry and Libby (for America and Liberty).
Least Tern chicks gain their flight feathers after three weeks. Persi took his first flight (fledged) on July 1st and Vera has been stretching her wings and getting the courage to fly. When they are in this state of heightened activity, the chicks no longer obey the boundaries of the enclosure. The chicks seem to like the southern end of the enclosure as their playground and don’t obey the boundaries or the “Chick Crossing” signs. Beachgoers should keep their distance from the enclosure when setting up their tents and chairs and use caution while walking along the shoreline. Please do not approach or pick up chicks. If you see a chick in trouble, please alert a Bird Steward, call FWC’s Wildlife Alert 888-404-3922 or AMITW’s hotline 941-301-8434.
Least Tern chick (Persi) taking flight Credit: Amy Waterbury
This weekend, AMITW will have Bird Stewards posted at the colony during peak hours to educate the public about the Least Terns in the closure. We will set up a spotting scope to view the new chicks up close and tell you all about what’s happening.
Least Tern chick (Vera) testing the boundaries Credit: Kathy Doddridge
Please help ensure the survival of our colonies by following these Shorebird-friendly tips:
Respect the posted bird closures and 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 shorebird nest.
Avoid flying kites or drones near shorebird colonies – they look like predators and will scare the birds off their nests.
Place trash in its proper place and do not feed wildlife. Food scraps attract predators to the beach. Litter on beaches can entangle birds and turtles.
Keep pets away from nesting areas. Even well-behaved pets can be perceived as a threat. Keep cats indoors.
Do not intentionally force birds to fly. When birds are chased or disturbed, they use energy they need to reserve for nesting and migration.
Do not use fireworks on the beach
Spread the word! If you see people disturbing nesting birds, sea turtles, or nest sites, gently remind them how their actions may hurt the animals’ survival. If they continue to disturb, please call and report their activities to FWC’s Wildlife Alert hotline at 888-404-FWCC (3922).
Least Tern chick “the Gems” (Pearl or Opal) snuggling with momma Credit: Amy Waterbury
MISCELLANEOUS:
Turtle Tracks and Shorebird Facts talks – Mondays from 10am – 11am at Holmes Beach City Hall 5801 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach. FREE. No reservations necessary!
AMITW 24-hour Hotline: (941) 301-8434 (this can be found at the bottom of all the yellow turtle nest signs!)
Provide to guests or post in your rental properties! Rack cards, door hangers, posters, and window clings, educate visitors about how to protect sea turtles and shorebirds on AMI.
When you are setting up your spot on the beach, please keep an eye out for turtle crawls like this one and place your furniture and canopy a few feet away so you don’t disturb the crawl. Turtle patrol starts at sunrise and may have a lot of turtle crawls to document at this time of year before they get to your location.
