Audubon Florida is calling on revelers to make beaches safer for beach-bird babies by avoiding their nesting areas during this busy holiday weekend and throughout the summer.
Several species of birds lay their eggs right on the sand. They perceive an approaching human as a threat and will take flight whenever people, or their dogs, approach too closely. If disturbed too often, the birds abandon their eggs and nesting sites.
Over the Memorial Day weekend, Audubon Florida’s bird stewards will be out at locations across the state where people and beach-nesting birds commingle.
“Audubon urges beachgoers to be aware of the special birds that share the shore with them this holiday weekend,” says Audrey DeRose-Wilson, director of bird conservation for Audubon Florida. “By following a few simple guidelines, you can keep these feathered families safe.”
To make our beaches safer for birds:
Reminder: Memorial Day ceremony
A ceremony will be held at 11 a.m., Monday, May 25, at the Unity Bandshell at Veterans Community Park, 901 Park Ave, Marco Island.
For more information: cityofmarcoisland.com.
Also: ‘America the Beautiful’ exhibit continues
In celebration of America’s 250th anniversary, the Marco Island Historical Society’s exhibit, “America the Beautiful” — a large format photography exhibit by Everglades photographer Clyde Butcher. – is on display through July 11.
The Marco Island Historical Museum is located at 180 S. Heathwood Drive and is open from 9 a.m. until 4 p.m., Tuesday through Saturday. Admission is free and the site is fully ADA compliant and accessible to all visitors.
For information call 239-389-6447 or visit themihs.org. The exhibit is free and open to the public.
Coyote pup needs help
After a suspected vehicle strike in Cape Coral, an injured coyote pup is receiving intensive treatment at the Clinic for the Rehabilitation of Wildlife on Sanibel Island.
“She had no obvious external head injuries, but she was in shock and showed signs consistent with neurological trauma,” said Dr. Jessica Comolli, MS, CWR, Dipl. ACZM, CROW’s Research & Medical Director, who, along with Dr. Kaitlyn Crocker, CROW’s Veterinary Intern, determined she had a fractured right front leg. Then came assessing the pup’s head trauma.
“We immediately began treatment for a suspected brain injury and placed her under close observation,” said Comolli. “We’re encouraged to share that she is making steady progress. She has a long road to recovery ahead of her, but she has a team of dedicated wildlife professionals and an entire community rallying behind her.”
The coyote is approximately seven-weeks-old. CROW has received or treated 28 coyotes since 2022. Last year, CROW saw a total of 5,046 wildlife patients.
If you want to donate toward the coyote’s recover, visit giving.gofundme.com/campaign/800278/donate. For more on CROW, visit crowclinic.org.
Live, work or play on Marco Island, South Naples or Everglades City? If so and you have something you’d like featured in Now You Know, send your information to mail@marconews.com.
This article originally appeared on Marco Eagle: Now You Know: Watch for birds this Memorial Day weekend
Reporting by Will Watts, Special to the Eagle / Marco Eagle
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
