Threatened Shorebirds Nesting Along Volusia Beaches

Posted On: May 13, 2026

Love is in the air, and the results are on the ground - in the form of shorebird nests.

Since shorebird nesting season began March 1, Volusia County Environmental Management staff has been conducting surveys along County-managed beaches and on Disappearing Island to locate well-camouflaged nests.

Two least tern colonies and six Wilson's plover nests have been observed on Disappearing Island and near Bethune Beach Park, Smyrna Dunes Park, and two vacant beachfront properties in Daytona Beach.

Because shorebirds are protected under state and federal law, Volusia County has posted barriers and "Do Not Enter" signs around nesting areas. Shorebirds lay their eggs directly on the sand, and newly hatched chicks remain flightless for weeks - no match for beachgoers and off-leash dogs that can destroy a nesting colony in moments. If adult birds are frightened, they may flee and leave eggs exposed to predators and prolonged sun.

Those who witness disturbances should report them to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission's Wildlife Alert Hotline at 888-404-3922 or by texting [email protected].

Wilson's plovers are sandy brown with white undersides and heavy bills. They hunt fiddler crabs and rarely stray far from ocean coastlines, making them especially vulnerable to habitat disturbance. Their eggs incubate for 24 to 25 days, and chicks take flight in 31 to 35 days.

Least terns, listed as threatened in Florida, have grayish-white bodies, black-capped heads, narrow wings, and yellow bills and legs. They nest in colonies and are known to defend their nests aggressively. Eggs incubate in 19 to 25 days, with chicks fledging in another 19 to 20 days.

Disappearing Island is accessible only by boat and emerges daily at low tide in the inlet between Ponce Inlet and New Smyrna Beach.