County issues nesting-season warning

Volusia County officials are urging residents and visitors to give nesting shorebirds extra space this spring, including in areas near New Smyrna Beach that are popular with local boaters. The advisory comes after county environmental staff identified active nesting sites for least terns and Wilson’s plovers at Disappearing Island, near Bethune Beach Park and near Smyrna Dunes Park. While the nesting areas are outside Edgewater city limits, they are close enough to matter for many Edgewater residents who regularly boat, fish or spend time on the nearby coast.

The county said shorebird nesting season began March 1, and staff have already documented two least tern colonies and six Wilson’s plover nests in Volusia County. To reduce disturbances, officials have posted barriers and “Do Not Enter” signs around active nesting areas. The warning is especially relevant at Disappearing Island, the sandbar between Ponce Inlet and New Smyrna Beach that appears at low tide and draws heavy recreational traffic.

Why the warning matters

These birds nest directly on the sand, making eggs and chicks easy to miss and easy to harm. County officials said newly hatched chicks remain flightless for weeks, leaving them vulnerable to foot traffic, unleashed dogs and other beach activity. Even when nests are not stepped on, repeated disturbances can cause adult birds to flee, exposing eggs to predators and intense sun.

Least terns are listed as threatened in Florida, and Wilson’s plovers are also closely monitored because of their limited nesting habitat. The county’s message is practical: if you see posted nesting zones, stay out of them and keep pets away. For Edgewater residents heading north to Bethune Beach or launching toward the inlet area, that means paying close attention to marked-off sections of sand.

What Edgewater residents should know

Boaters, paddlers and beach visitors from Edgewater are among the people most likely to encounter these nesting sites during weekend trips. Bethune Beach Park and the waters around Disappearing Island are common destinations for South Volusia residents. The county is not closing the broader area, but it is asking the public to respect the temporary protections around nests and colonies.

Officials also noted that off-leash dogs can destroy a nesting colony in moments. That makes pet control a major part of the county’s warning. Families visiting the beach should watch where children are running and avoid approaching birds that appear agitated or are circling overhead, which can be a sign that a nest is nearby.

How to report a problem

Anyone who sees people disturbing nests or protected birds can report it to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission. The Wildlife Alert Hotline is 888-404-3922, and tips can also be sent by text to Tip@MyFWC.com. County officials are relying on both signage and public cooperation to get the birds through nesting season successfully.

For Edgewater readers, the takeaway is simple: nearby beaches remain open, but some of the most heavily used coastal spots now include sensitive nesting habitat. Giving those areas a wide berth is a small step that can prevent the loss of eggs and chicks during one of the busiest times of year on the water.