As Florida’s wild natural beaches have become more and more scarce, beachside buildings with gravel rooftops have multiplied by the thousands. Shorebirds that nest in the sand have had to adapt.
Several species, including black skimmers, least terns, roseate terns and American oystercatchers, have taken to nesting on the plentiful gravel rooftops of buildings near the waterfront.
“Building rooftops provide important alternative nesting habitat for shorebirds and seabirds,” said the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, adding that most of the species that nest on rooftops are state-designated threatened species. As their habitat has declined, so have the birds’ numbers.
The rooftops are so appealing that 50% of the Florida population of least terns, the smallest terns in the world, relies upon them for nesting.
The Florida season for nesting depends on species and county, but generally starts in April and can run to September.
Does your building have good bird real estate?
Prime real estate depends on a few key factors, and lots of buildings check all the boxes.
There’s got to be a nearby food source, like the Atlantic Ocean or Intracoastal Waterway; there can’t be easy access for predators such as raccoons and feral cats; and the birds want decent nesting material, in this case, just a bit of gravel.
“Shorebirds tend to select rooftops with high gravel coverage that resemble sandy beaches,” said the FWC.
What to do if there are nests on the roof
Once a building manager or resident spots a nest, the roof should be off-limits, said the FWC.
Any sort of disturbance can cause “take,” or harm and harassment of the nest. Humans can stress the parents out, and any pets, such as dogs or cats, could access the roof and harm either the parents, the eggs or the chicks.
The birds don’t need the gravel to be deep, but adding additional material to a roof can help both the birds and the building.
Storms and normal wear and tear over the years can jar gravel loose, exposing tar and the roof membrane.
Exposed tar can lead to roof leaks, but it also becomes sticky under the hot sun, and both adult birds and chicks can get stuck or impaired.
If a roof needs gravel, building owners should consult with a certified roofing company, but also with an FWC regional shorebird biologist. Biologists said that any roof improvements, though, should be done outside the nesting season, from September to February.
If a building needs roof repair in the breeding season, building owners can work with FWC regional shorebird biologists to figure out if repairs would somehow harm the nesting process. If so, they can apply for a permit that would allow the repair work.
There are other steps owners and managers can take to enhance the nesting success of these threatened species.
With the help of the FWC, managers can add wire mesh over rooftop pipes, vent outlets and drainage troughs, and add chick fences along the perimeter to prevent wandering birds from falling.
Biologists can also install spiky perch deterrents to ward off hawks, crows and owls, and install chick shelters. There’s also the opportunity for game camera installation.
All of the species that nest on rooftops still nest on the actual beach.
If you see them, the FWC has some tips.
- Never enter areas posted with shorebird/seabird signs. Keep at least 300 feet from nesting birds and walk around flocks of birds.
- Keep dogs on a leash and away from areas where birds may be nesting.
- Keep cats indoors, and do not feed stray cats.
- Properly dispose of trash. Food scraps attract predators, such as raccoons and crows, that prey on shorebird eggs and chicks. Litter on beaches and in the water can also entangle birds, turtles and other wildlife.
- Do not fly kites near areas where birds may be nesting.
Bill Kearney covers the environment, the outdoors and tropical weather. He can be reached at bkearney@sunsentinel.com. Follow him on Instagram @billkearney or on X @billkearney6.