Nesting season is underway on nearby South Volusia beaches

Volusia County is warning beachgoers to give protected shorebirds extra space after staff identified nesting activity at several coastal sites, including areas near Bethune Beach Park and Smyrna Dunes Park. For Edgewater residents, that makes this more than a general wildlife note: Bethune Beach is one of the closest ocean access points for many local families, anglers, and dog owners.

According to the county, Environmental Management staff have found two least tern colonies and six Wilson’s plover nests so far this season. Nesting areas were reported at Disappearing Island, near two vacant Daytona Beach properties, and near the South Volusia beach locations. Officials have posted barriers and “Do Not Enter” signs around active nesting zones because the birds are protected under state and federal law.

Why these nests are so vulnerable

The county says shorebirds lay their eggs directly on the sand, which makes them especially vulnerable to foot traffic, unleashed dogs, and other disturbances. Newly hatched chicks also remain flightless for weeks, meaning a busy beach day can destroy a nesting area in moments. If adult birds are repeatedly frightened away, eggs can be left exposed to predators and intense sun.

Wilson’s plovers and least terns are both small coastal birds, but they use the beach in different ways. Wilson’s plovers are sandy brown with white undersides and tend to stay close to ocean shorelines, where they hunt fiddler crabs. Least terns, listed as threatened in Florida, nest in colonies and are known to defend their nesting areas aggressively. Both species depend on relatively undisturbed stretches of sand during breeding season.

What Edgewater beachgoers should do

For residents heading to Bethune Beach or boating near Disappearing Island, the county’s message is straightforward: stay outside marked nesting areas, keep dogs under control, and do not approach birds that appear to be resting or acting defensively. Even well-meaning visitors can cause harm if they get too close to eggs or chicks that are difficult to see against the sand.

This is also a practical reminder for anyone planning holiday beach trips in the coming weeks. South Volusia’s shoreline is entering a busy period, and wildlife protections can affect where people walk, set up, or let pets roam. Paying attention to posted signs can help avoid both ecological damage and possible enforcement issues.

How to report a disturbance

Volusia County says anyone who sees nests being disturbed should contact the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission. Reports can be made through the Wildlife Alert Hotline at 888-404-3922 or by texting Tip@MyFWC.com. Quick reporting can help wildlife officers respond before a colony is damaged.

Bottom line: nesting season is active on beaches just north of Edgewater, including near Bethune Beach. For local readers, this is a timely public-awareness update: enjoy the shoreline, but give marked bird areas plenty of room.