Barrier islands and sandbars are favored nesting sites because they afford these groundnesting birds protection from land predators. The birds have adapted to the temperature extremes, hurricanes, high winds and coastal flooding. However, human disturbance and domestic animals are another matter.

Human recreational activities and shorebird nesting peak at about the same time. This can leave the eggs and young birds exposed and vulnerable to disturbance, according to Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) biologist Ron Loggins.

Beach-nesting birds often get nervous around human recreational activities, such as playing beach volleyball, engaging in kite surfing or allowing the family pet to romp unleashed along the beach. Frightened birds sometimes flee their nests, leaving their chicks or eggs vulnerable to a variety of hazards.

"We don't always think about the effects we may be having, even with an activity as simple as flying a kite," Loggins said. "Shorebirds often mistake the kites flying over their nests for large predators, and that causes the birds to scatter."

When adult birds are flushed off their nests, eggs and young are exposed to the intense sun or cold of night; they are exposed to aerial predators, such as crows and gulls or marauding dogs.

"Without the parent birds providing shade, it only takes a few minutes for the summer sun to cause temperatures in the nest to rise above 100 degrees, which can result in death for the chicks," Loggins said.

"Many people also don't realize when they're near beach-nesting birds because the nests can be difficult to detect," Loggins said. "The nests are simple, shallow depressions in the sand, and both the eggs and chicks are well-camouflaged. When danger approaches, the young chicks freeze in a prone position. It's easy for people walking in nesting areas to crush the eggs or kill young birds accidentally."

The FWC, in cooperation with other local, state and federal agencies, coordinates efforts aimed at educating the public and protecting beachnesting wildlife during critical nesting periods. A cadre of volunteers from the FWC and private organizations, such as the Audubon Society, maintain watch over nesting sites and help with educational efforts.

Officials protect bird colonies by posting signs, roping off affected areas and contacting local residents about temporary beach closures.

"We're asking those who use our state's beaches to avoid nesting areas where colonies of shorebirds are raising chicks. We're not asking people to stop kite-flying or enjoying the beach. We're just asking beachgoers to avoid a handful of areas close to where there are nesting birds," Loggins said.

For more information about Florida's shorebirds, visit MyFWC.com/imperiledspecies/.