After a 30-year absence, Least Terns have returned to nest on Sanibel Island. This is exciting news for bird lovers and conservationists alike. This remarkable comeback is thanks to the hard work of scientists, wildlife experts, and the broader Sanibel community. For decades, the Sanibel Causeway Islands offered sandy areas near water for these birds to lay eggs. However, increased human activity and storm-related disruptions drove the terns away. What changed to help welcome back Least Terns for the first time in over three decades?
Nesting and Disruption
The Sanibel Causeway, which connects the mainland to Sanibel Island, has long served a unique role on Sanibel Island, as it is both an open beach and easy to access for wildlife. According to the Sanibel-Captiva Conservation Foundation (SCCF), Least Terns have historically used the causeway as a nesting ground ever since it was first constructed.
However, over the past 30 years, a combination of environmental challenges and increased human presence has gradually pushed them out. Hurricanes eroded key nesting areas, and growing foot traffic made it difficult for the birds to safely lay and protect their eggs. When terns first started reappearing three years ago, the SCCF started working with the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) and the local government to ensure they have a safe place to nest.
Collaborating on Conservation
This recent nesting season on Sanibel Island is a testament to the power of community involvement and cooperation. The SCCF, Lee County, and the FWC have worked together to protect the returning Least Terns by creating safe nesting areas on the causeway islands. Volunteers have stepped in to support the effort by painting orange stakes and posting signs that clearly mark nesting zones. These protective measures are designed to alert people to the presence of nesting sites so they can avoid them.
The SCCF is also prioritizing public education. Because the Sanibel Causeway and beach parks have all reopened and Sanibel Island is expected to draw more visitors, the foundation is working to train volunteers who can help protect the terns. By working together, local citizens, the local government, and non-profits have been able to safeguard Least Terns so far.
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What Does the Future Hold for Sanibel Island?
With the first eggs of the 2025 nesting season already laid and more potentially on the way, all eyes will be on the nesting sites in the coming weeks. Volunteers will continue to monitor the colonies, educate visitors, and help ensure that this year’s chicks have the best possible chance of reaching adulthood. If you are planning a visit to Sanibel Island in the coming months, be sure to follow all signage to protect terns and other local wildlife species. Through continued cooperation and respect for the wildlife that shares our beaches, there’s every reason to believe the terns will keep coming back for years to come.
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