HELP PROTECT SOUTHWEST FLORIDA'S SHORBIRDS
Volunteer with the Audubon Shorebird Stewardship Program
Audubon of Southwest Florida has teamed up with the Florida Shorebird Alliance to form a community-driven Shorebird Stewardship Program. Our goal is to protect and raise awareness about Florida’s imperiled shorebird species and we need your help! By volunteering as a Bird Steward, you’ll play a vital role in educating beachgoers about these amazing birds and the importance of Sharing the Shore during nesting season.
Our Fall 2025 Shorebird Stewardship Program
We are excited to announce that another season of Fall Shorebird Stewarding is set to start this October!
The Fall season will run from October through December, with a shorebird walk taking place every Sunday at a local Lee County beach- except those following Thanksgiving and Christmas. As always, each walk is 2 hours (8:00am-10:00am) and will consist of point-counts for all birds heard or seen at each location, tips and tricks to learn shorebird ID, and scientific contributions to Audubon’s shorebird databases through citizen science!
We are thrilled to have our returning birders join us once again on the beach and encourage all birders, regardless of skill level, to participate! Everyone is welcome!
Binoculars/cameras are recommended to observe and document the birds but not necessary. The spotting scope will continue to be available for everyone to view the birds and a spare pair of binoculars will be provided upon request! Do consider wearing shoes to protect your feet from possible hurricane debris or sharp shells in the mud and bring water, snacks, bug spray, sunscreen, hat, sunglasses, etc.
Volunteers are much appreciated to fill the following roles:
1. Bird ID - pick a bird you are comfortable with, and give us the counts as we walk
2. Photographer - take pictures of the birds, and the group, for us to share on social media
3. Public Relations - educate people on the beach who look like they are wondering what we are doing- Invite them to join us!
Fall dates:
*all walks are from 8:00am-10:00am*
Sunday October 5th, Bunche Beach
Sunday October 12th, Lover's Key State Park
Sunday October 19th, Bunche Beach
Sunday October 26th, Bowditch Point Park
Sunday, November 2nd, Bunche Beach
Sunday, November 9th, Lover's Key State Park
Sunday, November 16th, Bunche Beach
Sunday, November 23rd, Bowditch Point Park
Sunday, December 7th, Lover's Key State Park
Sunday, December 14th, Bunche Beach
Sunday, December 21st, Bunche Beach
Please expect the Winter shorebird stewarding schedule, which runs from January through March, to be released as we approach the end of the Fall season. You can find all updates, recaps, and relevant shorebird stewarding and chapter information on our Facebook and Instagram, which is also listed below. For direct communication with stewards and to RSVP for shorebird walks, please email leeshorebirdsteward@gmail.com with your name and phone number!
We are excited to have current FGCU student, Anthony (Ani) Dues, as our Lead Steward and returning steward, Yohn Villalta, as our Assistant! Be sure to follow our socials to "meet" our Stewards in a future post!
Socials:
Instagram: @audubonswfl
Facebook: @audubonofsouthwestflorida
Feel free to email us with any questions, suggestions, or anything else!
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Anthony (Ani) Dues, Lead Steward, (904) 673-6647
Yohn Villalta, Assistant Steward, (239) 537-8273
Audubon of Southwest Florida
Lee County Anchor Stewards
2025 Lee County Stewarding Training Video
SHOREBIRD UPDATES
Periodically, we will provide updates from our Shorebird Stewards, regarding bird and nest counts or providing any additional calls for action or assistance. Please go to "Our Birding Blog" (under the News Tab above) to get our latest updates.
inform - educate - observe - protect
OUR FLORIDA SHOREBIRD ALLIANCE PARTNERSHIP
VIDEO COURTESY OF AUDUBON NORTH CAROLINA
The Florida Shorebird Alliance (FSA) is a statewide partnership of government and non-government organizations committed to advancing shorebird and seabird conservation in Florida through coordinated and collaborative work that helps identify and address important needs with regard to research, management, education, outreach, and public policy.
Because the FSA is a partnership organization, it accommodates a wide range of views on the best strategies to conserve shorebirds and seabirds. However, all partners share the same overall vision of establishing areas where seabird and shorebird populations are viable and managed in balance with human activities.
