Rookery Bay Shorebirds

For the first time in ten years, Least terns have nested on Morgan Beach and for the first time in three years, Black skimmers have returned to Sand Dollar Island. These rare encounters are a promising sign that Rookery Bay’s avian monitoring is making a positive impact on these imperiled species.     

For the American oystercatcher, the forecast is looking bright as well. Nesting in Collier County for this species is extremely rare, but for the past two years, Rookery Bay staff have seen an American oystercatcher pair attempting to nest within the Reserve. Unfortunately, because of predation from coyotes and Fish Crows, the nests haven’t led to fledglings yet. But every year, they seem to be getting closer to success.     

Weekly, Rookery Bay Research Reserve Avian Biologist Derek Salge and partner Megan Hatten from Audubon Florida visit colony sites from north Keewaydin Island down to Second Chance Critical Wildlife Area to record nest and hatchling numbers. This data informs researchers, managers, conservationists and permit reviewers on the location of potential colony sites so that they can be protected during nesting season.