One of more than 80 newborn black skimmer chicks recently hatched on the beach near Indian Shores gets a meal from its parent.
INDIAN SHORES - Volunteers are needed to help protect newborn black skimmers on the Fourth of July.
A bird nesting campaign between local bird organizations has been assisting the past several weeks as baby black skimmer chicks hatch on the beach near Indian Shores.
This colony of more than 400 of the “special concern species” is one of the largest known on a Pinellas County public beach and has hatched more than 80 chicks so far with many more chicks expected this week.
The area was roped off by St. Petersburg and Clearwater Audubon Societies and is located on the beach just north of the Suncoast Seabird Sanctuary at 18328 Gulf Blvd., Indian Shores.
All three organizations are monitoring the area and providing volunteers and bird stewards.
More volunteers are needed for Saturday 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 black skimmers or their eggs.
To volunteer to help in shifts from 4 p.m. to 10 p.m. on Saturday, July 4, call the Suncoast Seabird Sanctuary at 391-6211.
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