The first snowy plover (Anarhynchus nivosus) nest of the 2024 breeding season was recently discovered by the SCCF shorebird team, who promptly roped off the area to give space and protection to the state-threatened birds.
This particular nest belongs to a familiar male, known as ‘White/Blue’ (below), who was banded as an adult on Sanibel in 2019 and has fledged chicks on the island every year since.
“Last year, White/Blue, or Super Dad, as we call him, raised two full broods of chicks to fledging — that’s six total chicks with a 100% fledge success rate,” said Shorebird Technician Aaron White. “We’re hoping that White/Blue and all of our other future nesting pairs will be just as successful at raising chicks as he was last year.”
With help from SCCF volunteers, White/Blue’s nest — and any other snowy plover activity on the island — is monitored on a daily basis.
Help support our work by symbolically adopting a shorebird for $50.
Shorebird numbers are declining worldwide due to habitat loss, development projects, climate change, and other factors. You can help contribute to the preservation of these threatened species by giving them the space they need to rest, forage, and raise their young during nesting season. Learn more about how to help shorebirds >>
Shorebird nesting season begins in February and continues through August. The SCCF Shorebird team monitors nesting activity of snowy plovers, Wilson’s plovers (Anarhynchus wilsonia), least terns (Sternula antillarum), and killdeer (Charadrius vociferus) on the island.
If you find a shorebird nest with eggs, don’t touch it — leave enough space for the bird to resume incubating and contact the shorebird team immediately by calling 813-756-8773. If you have any questions, email us at [email protected].
