Shorebird Nesting Season in Sarasota and Manatee Counties of Florida is from February through September.

Shorebirds migrate through our coast. They rest in colonies on the beach during the day when it is too hot to fly. Do not run through the birds.

Shorebirds nest directly on the beach anywhere between the water line and the dunes. They lay their eggs on the sand. If birds are forced to scatter, their eggs will bake in the sun, killing the chicks. Do not disturb or run through birds on the beach.

Volunteers work hard to protect nesting shorebirds and their nests. Stay out of roped areas. Eggs are hard to see, and you could step on them.

Sea Turtle Nesting Season on Sarasota & Manatee beaches is from May through October

Sandcastles are barriers to sea turtles who want to nest. Knock down your sandcastles before leaving the beach each day.

Sea turtles can get trapped in a hole that you might dig in the sand. A trapped turtle could die. Fill in holes you create before leaving the beach each day.

Sea turtles can get trapped among beach chairs and other items left on the beach overnight. They can die if trapped. Bring chairs to the dune line or to the building you are staying in.

Sea turtles are attracted to bright lights that can disorient them. Keep flashlights turned off on the beach at night. Close your blinds on beach-facing doors and windows after sunset.

Volunteers work hard to protect sea turtle nests by marking them. Do not dig or destroy nests or remove the nest marker posts.

Thank you for visiting Sarasota & Manatee beaches. Help us protect our endangered sea turtles and shorebirds.