Florida Shorebird Alliance
Life’s better on the beach
Florida’s 1,200 miles of coastline provide habitat for more than 75 unique bird
species, many of which are state and federally protected. Unfortunately, the beach
areas where they nest are also prime real estate for the state’s booming human
population. With 50 million visitors to Florida’s beaches each year, it’s becoming
difficult for birds to find a quiet stretch of coastline on which to raise their families.
Gallery
Sandwich Tern
• Forages by plunging headfirst into the water from flight
• Both parents incubate eggs and feed young
• If a colony is disturbed, the young may leave the nest
and gather in a group (called "creche") with others
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