Charlotte Harbor Aquatic Preserve Team Multi-tasks while Bird Monitoring in Pine Island Sound

CHAP staff conducted their monthly Critical Wildlife Area (CWA) monitoring in Pine Island Sound AP and were happy to see the wading and diving bird nesting starting again. Staff observed great blue herons nesting on both CWAs as well as over 1,100 American white pelicans using one of the CWAs as a roosting/resting area! This is expected at this time of year, but not the sheer number of birds observed. CHAP staff also took the opportunity to clean inactive rookeries in the area. This resulted in the removal of 35 lbs. of debris and fishing line.  

During cleaning of one of the inactive rookery islands, staff observed pottery shards. Upon further investigation, they also found shell tools like hammers and drills made from whelk shells. After a search of site files, staff determined this may be an archeological site that has never been documented. The plan is to go back to the site with the Florida Public Archeological Network staff early next year to assess and possibly establish a new archaeological site in the AP.