State park officials are asking for the public's help in protecting several threatened bird species that make a popular island off the coast of Pinellas County their home.
- At least 4 threatened species nest on Three Rooker Island
- About 8 acres of the island are roped off to protect birds
- Closure of areas is seasonal
Three Rooker Island, located about two miles north of the Dunedin Causeway, has always been a popular spot for boaters to drop anchor on weekends, according to Daniel Larremore, an environmental specialist at Honeymoon Island State Park. That popularity has only grown as Pinellas County's population grows.
“This past weekend alone, we had over 1,400 boats on this little island," Larremore said.
But each year, from April through the end of August, Larremore said visitors must share Three Rooker Island with thousands of birds there to nest.
All together, you can find nine different species laying eggs and waiting for their chicks to hatch. At least 4 of those species are considered "threatened," including the Least Tern.
"[Least Terns] are disappearing from the coastline of Florida and from the Americas up and down,” Larremore said.
Photo: Jessica Lewis, Anclote Key Preserve
About eight acres of the island are roped off and marked with signs, asking visitors to keep off and also reminding them no dogs are allowed on the beach.
“This is not a permanent closure," Larremore said. "This is a seasonal closure when there’s eggs and chicks on the ground."
Volunteer shorebird stewards patrol the island on weekends, offering friendly reminders to be careful of the birds. Larremore said they are always looking for more volunteers to help out.
If you are interested, contact coordinator Jessica Lewis with the Anclote Key Preserve at jlewis@audobon.org.
You can also learn more about shorebird nesting and the beach steward program at an upcoming talk on July 12 from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. at the The Ale and Witch in St. Petersburg.