These black skimmer chicks are some of the newest residents on Indian Shores beach.
INDIAN SHORES – Thanks to a nesting campaign between local bird organizations, more than 20 black skimmer chicks hatched on Indian Shores beach over the weekend of June 28-29.
The chicks hatched on Florida Species of Special Concern colony, the largest known on a Pinellas County public beach, and many more are expected during the week.
The colony area, located in front of the Suncoast Seabird Sanctuary on the beach at 18328 Gulf Blvd., Indian Shores, was roped off by St. Petersburg and Clearwater Audubon Societies. All three organizations are monitoring the area and providing volunteers and bird stewards.
More volunteers are needed on Friday, July 4, as representatives from all three groups will circle the roped off area to provide safety to the newborn chicks as fireworks go off. The parents fly off when the loud sounds erupt, leaving the newborns unprotected.
Police will be patrolling the area as it is against the law to light fireworks on the beach or to harm the Black Skimmers or their eggs.
Please call the Suncoast Seabird Sanctuary at 392-4291 to volunteer for shifts from 4 to 10 p.m. on Friday, July 4.
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