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July 22, 2008
Shelley Szafraniec, APR
Community Information Specialist

VOLUNTEERS NEEDED TO ASSIST OBSERVING RARE BIRDS

With a family of black skimmers - federally and state-protected birds - temporarily nesting on Volusia County beaches , volunteers are needed to watch over the birds’ nest and babies for the next several weeks. Volunteers are asked to work in three-hour shifts between 8 a.m. and 7 p.m., distribute educational materials to the public and monitor the behavior of the black skimmers. Volunteers will work in two-person shifts.

“Volunteers are an integral part of this protection effort because they can call for help immediately if there appears to be a problem with the birds and provide information to the curious on lookers,” said Jennifer Winters, Volusia County’s sea turtle Habitat Conservation Plan  program manager. “Volunteers supplement county staff shifts. Even at the start, because of volunteers and concerned citizens, we were aware of what was happening and were able to respond quickly.”

Since first discovering the black skimmer nest June 24, Environmental Management staff cordoned off the area around the nest and monitored the situation daily. They also have been coordinating with state and federal wildlife officials as required by the county’s federally approved Habitat Conservation Plan  which governs how the county protects sea turtles, piping plovers, nesting shorebirds, and other coastal wildlife and habitat.

The nest is in front of the Oceans Four Condominium, 3013 S. Atlantic Ave., Daytona Beach Shores.

Volusia County Environmental Management and the Beach Patrol established a 100-yard protective buffer on either side of the nest Saturday, July 19, temporarily suspending beach driving in that area. While the beach is open, vehicular traffic is being rerouted via the El Portal ramp (to the south) and the Florida Shores ramp (to the north). Although beach driving won’t be allowed in the 200-yard area, sunbathers and swimmers will be able to use that section of the beach as long as they stay away from an area that has been roped-off around the nest. This buffer will remain in place for the next several weeks to provide a safe haven on the beach for the family of rare birds.

Visitors to Volusia County beaches near the nest can expect to observe the parents in the vicinity of the nest, taking turns protecting the eggs and chick and skimming the water to feed on fish. If the birds appear agitated, there may be another type of bird preying nearby or people may be too close to the barrier. Onlookers should remember to keep their distance if they visit the nest area, and keep a close watch for the hatchlings as they dart to and fro on the beach.

For more information or to volunteer, please call (386) 736-5927, ext. 5823, or e-mail WAVVolusia@sjrwmd.com.

For information about Volusia County’s Habitat Conservation Plan and efforts, visit www.volusiaseaturtles.org.

For updated beach information, please call (386) 239-SURF (7873).

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