Sharing the Shore: How Brevard Residents Can Help Our Winter Bird Visitors Thrive
As the temperatures drop up north, our beaches along the Space Coast become a sanctuary for thousands of migrating shorebirds seeking warmer climates. These feathered snowbirds have begun their annual pilgrimage to our shorelines, bringing with them incredible diversity and beauty to our local ecosystem.
I was walking along Cocoa Beach just yesterday when I spotted them—sandpipers scurrying along the tide line, their tiny legs moving so fast they seemed to float across the sand. They’ve traveled thousands of miles to be here, and now it’s up to us locals to ensure they have a safe winter home.
Our Seasonal Bird Visitors Have Arrived
BREVARD COUNTY, FLORIDA — The fall migration season is in full swing, transforming our local beaches into international bird sanctuaries. These tired travelers—some having journeyed from as far as the Arctic Circle—depend on our shorelines for food, rest, and protection during the winter months.
Many of these birds arrive exhausted and depleted after their long journeys. The beaches of Melbourne, Cocoa, and throughout Brevard County provide crucial feeding grounds where they can rebuild their strength.
Why Our Shorelines Matter to Migrating Birds
Our Space Coast isn’t just a vacation destination for humans—it’s literally a matter of survival for these birds. The unique ecosystem along our Atlantic shores provides:
- Rich feeding grounds in tidal zones
- Protective resting areas away from predators
- Mild winter climate when northern habitats are frozen
- Critical stopover points in the Atlantic Flyway migration route
“These birds have evolved to rely on these specific coastal habitats,” explains local ornithologist Pat Leary. “When they’re disturbed repeatedly, they burn precious energy they need to survive the winter or continue their migration.”
Meet Your Feathered Neighbors
The next time you’re enjoying our beautiful beaches, keep an eye out for these seasonal visitors:
| Bird Species | Identifying Features | When to Spot Them |
|---|---|---|
| Piping Plover | Small, sand-colored with orange legs | October through April |
| Red Knot | Robin-sized with rusty-red breeding plumage | Fall through spring |
| Sanderling | Small “wave chasers” that run in and out with the tide | Year-round, but numbers increase in winter |
| Black Skimmer | Distinctive black and white with unique lower bill that’s longer than upper bill | Year-round resident with winter visitors |
How We Can Help Our Winter Visitors
I’ve seen firsthand how a simple change in our beach habits can make a huge difference for these birds. Here’s how you can help:
Give Them Space
When you see a flock of birds resting on the beach, walk around them rather than through them. Getting too close forces birds to fly, using up valuable energy reserves they need to survive.
A good rule of thumb? If birds start to look alert or walk away, you’re too close. Try to stay at least 50 feet from single birds and 100 feet from flocks.
Keep Dogs Leashed (or Visit Dog-Friendly Beaches)
Our furry friends naturally want to chase birds, but this can be devastating for exhausted migrants. Even if your dog is just playing, birds perceive them as predators and will flee, burning critical energy reserves.
Enjoy dog-friendly areas like Canova Beach Park where permitted, and always respect leash laws elsewhere.
Pack Out What You Pack In
Trash on beaches doesn’t just look bad—it can be deadly for wildlife. Fishing line can entangle birds, and plastic bags or food wrappers can be ingested. Make a habit of bringing a small bag to collect any trash you find during your beach walks.
Spread the Word, Not the Disturbance
Many visitors to our beaches don’t realize the impact they might have on these birds. A friendly, “Hey, did you know those are migrating birds that have flown thousands of miles to get here?” can go a long way toward creating more bird-friendly beaches.
Get Involved: Become a Shorebird Steward
Want to do more? The Florida Shorebird Alliance needs volunteers to help monitor and protect bird populations along the Space Coast. As a volunteer, you’ll learn to identify different species while helping educate beachgoers about our winged winter residents.
Local conservation photographer Caity Reiland-Smith has documented these birds for years: “When you start recognizing individual birds returning year after year, you develop a connection to them. It makes you want to protect them even more.”
Upcoming Bird-Friendly Events in Brevard
- Monthly Shorebird Walks at Sebastian Inlet State Park
- Winter Bird Count with Space Coast Audubon Society
- Beach Clean-up Days organized by Keep Brevard Beautiful
A Shared Shore: Our Coastal Conservation Legacy
The relationship between Brevard residents and these migrating birds represents something special about our community—our willingness to share our paradise with creatures that depend on it for survival.
Next time you’re walking along our beautiful coastline and spot a group of sandpipers probing the sand or plovers resting in a protected dune, remember: they’ve traveled incredible distances to be here. The least we can do is be good hosts.
By making small adjustments to how we enjoy our beaches, we ensure that future generations of both birds and beach-lovers can continue to share this special place we call home.
Have you spotted any interesting migratory birds this season? Share your sightings or photos in the comments below!
Source: Photos by Pat Leary and Caity Reiland-Smith