You can enjoy a municipal fireworks show to celebrate America’s 250th anniversary. But if you light fireworks yourself on the beach you could face a fine.
The fines vary by jurisdiction. Cities vary but in Cocoa Beach, for instance, there’s a $100 for a first offense. It doubles if you’re a second time offender.
Fireworks rules are to spare shorebirds and other beach life
The rules are intended, at least in part, to give least terns and other shorebirds a better chance by reducing disturbances in sensitive coastal habitats.
Shorebirds typically make their nest in or near sand dunes.
We can celebrate our independence, having a blast at the beach. But conservationists urge us to do it without making the most dependent shorebird chicks fly the coop well before they’re ready.
So they want beachgoers to remain alert of shorebird nests and abstain from lighting any fireworks on the beach on July 4th weekend, as many birds re-nest for their final chance to successfully raise young this season.
Curious people, nosey unleashed dogs, and here in Brevard County, rocket launches and other random loud noises can spook skittish roosting terns into leaving their nests, never returning to their eggs or fledglings.
Why are fireworks a threat to nesting shorebirds?
Bright bursts of color and the loud bangs of fireworks spark chaos for coastal wildlife, conservationists and biologists say, especially for birds that nest on the beach. Each celebratory bang triggers widespread panic, scattering shorebirds and their chicks from their nests.
Audubon, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission and others urge the public to go to municipal firework shows, instead of trying to light up impromptu fireworks displays of their own on the beach.
Why are dogs a risk to shorebird nesting?
Both human feet and the paws of dogs stomping in the wrong spots near the dunes can cause nesting bird pairs to flee, leaving behind their young for predators or the deadly heat to kill.
When do you know you’re too close to a shorebird nest?
If a bird dive-bombs you, you have gotten too close, the nonprofit Audubon Florida says.
Which shorebirds are among the most at risk?
Least terns, the smallest tern in North America, are protected by the U.S. Migratory Bird Treaty Act and as an endangered species in the Midwest and Great Plains states by the federal Endangered Species Act, and as a state-designated threatened species by Florida’s Endangered and Threatened Species Rule. Harassing them carries penalties of up to 60 days in jail and a $500 fine.
What about construction?
Studies show noise from construction can keep terns and other shorebirds from detecting approaching predators and masks the alarm calls they’d otherwise hear from other birds that do sense the approaching danger.
Florida law requires the nests be protected while active, and the developer can’t construct anything in the roped off area until the hatchlings leave, which typically takes about 90 days.
Is other wildlife at risk on the beach during July 4 weekend?
Yes. Sea turtles and other marine animals also are at risk. They easily mistake fireworks debris that litters beaches and near-shore waters for food, and hungry chicks eat the small plastic pieces left over from fireworks.
What are the basic do’s and don’ts?
Audubon Florida urges the following:
Where can you learn more about shorebirds in Florida?
Visit https://myfwc.com/conservation/you-conserve/wildlife/shorebirds/
Jim Waymer is an environment reporter at FLORIDA TODAY. Contact Waymer at 321-261-5903 or jwaymer@floridatoday.com. Or find him on Twitter: @JWayEnviro or on Facebook: www.facebook.com/jim.waymer
This article originally appeared on Florida Today: Conservationists urge us to spare our shorebirds from fireworks, dogs
Reporting by Jim Waymer, Florida Today / Florida Today
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By Jim Waymer, Florida Today | USA TODAY Network
