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Commonly Sighted Birds
Rules for visitation to a Critical Wildlife Area
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Located
on the Gulf of Mexico beach at the southern tip of Estero Island, the
Little Estero Island Critical Wildlife Area is one of only 15 such designated
wildlife refuges in Florida. A favorite spot for birders, Little Estero
Island is a significant nesting area for least terns, snowy plovers, willet
and black skimmers. It is an important over-wintering area for at least
68 species of shore and wading birds. A designated nesting area is closed
to trespassing from April 1 to August 31 each year, and posted by the
Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission with signs, stakes,
and ribbon.
Florida
Department of Environmental Protection biologist posts Critical
Nesting Habitat. Photo by Arden Arrington |
During the spring and fall migrations, millions of shorebirds make their
way to Florida. Many of these birds stop at points along our coastline
and remain throughout the winter. Many more stop over for food and a brief
rest before continuing their travels. Exhausted and hungry, they land
on our shores, pushed to the very limit of their abilities. Many species
of Florida's water birds also nest on the beach. They have adapted to
the rugged coastal environment of temperature extremes, hurricanes, high
winds and coastal flooding. As development of Florida's beaches and coastal
islands increases, secure resting areas and nesting sites for shore and
wading birds are becoming more and more scarce. Barrier islands and sandbars
are favored nesting sites because they afford protection from traditional
land predators.
Click here to view a video
clip of various bird species in the Aquatic Preserve.
Osprey,
or "Fishhawk". Photo courtesy Calusa Coast Outfitters |
Designation of Little Estero Island as a Critical Wildlife Area increases
the chance for successful nesting by the birds, hopefully reducing the
possibility of further population declines. The purpose of posting is
to decrease human disturbance in the nesting colony, reducing the possibility
that the birds will not nest successfully, thereby abandoning the site.
STATUS: The Little Estero Island Critical Wildlife Area is located on
the south end of Estero Island, and can be accessed through the public
beach accesses off Estero Boulevard. Avoid all posted nesting areas From
April 1 through August 31.
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