Coastal Stewardship in Florida

Beach-nesting birds, such as terns and plovers, are struggling to survive in Florida, often because of the intense disturbance by recreational beachgoers. Flushed from their camouflaged nests in the sand, adult birds watch helplessly as eggs and chicks are exposed to the hot sun and predators, or are crushed by unwary pedestrians, dogs, or drivers.  

Wading birds need safe nesting sites in trees, free from human disturbance. Audubon works with volunteers and partners to protect shoreline habitats and remove dangerous fishing line and other debris. 

Did you know? Birds in Florida also nest on rooftops! Our rooftop biologists watch over these rooftop colonies, installing chick fencing, recording critical fledge data, and returning fallen chicks to their families. 

Do you want to join our flock? Become a beach steward and protect bird families, monitor a rooftop, or join us for a coastal clean-up.

Florida Panhandle 

• We monitor both rooftops and beaches throughout the Panhandle. 

Apply here for Northwest Florida/Panhandle 

Tampa Bay/Florida Coastal Islands Sanctuaries 

• We monitor both rooftops and beaches in the greater Tampa Bay region.

Apply here for the Tampa region.

West/Southwest Florida 

• Locations where we work include beaches and rooftops in Pasco, Hillsborough, Pinellas, Manatee, and Sarasota counties 

Apply here for West/Southwest Florida 

South/Southwest Florida

• Lee County beaches include Little Estero Island Critical Wildlife Area of Fort Myers Beach, North Captiva Island, and other areas.  

• Collier County beaches include Big Marco Pass, Second Chance, and Caxambas Critical Wildlife Areas and other areas.  

Apply here for South/Southwest Florida 

Northeast Florida

• Timucuan Shorebird Partnership beaches include Huguenot Memorial Park, Talbot Islands, Ft. Clinch, and others. 

• St. Johns Flagler Shorebird Partnership beaches include Anastasia State Park, Julia’s Island, Ft. Matanzas, and others. 

Apply here for Northeast Florida 

All stewarding is undertaken in cooperation with the Florida Shorebird Alliance.