Shorebirds seek out rooftop nesting due to busy beaches

PINELLAS COUNTY, Fla. — Shorebird and seabird nesting season is underway and wildlife experts say there has been an uptick over the years of birds nesting on rooftops instead of along Pinellas County beaches. 

Holley Short, the shorebird program for Audubon, said it’s likely due to increased beach traffic.

“Because they’re losing their natural habitat, we are seeing more birds moving to these alternative nesting sites along places like Gulf Blvd,” Short said as she pointed out a rooftop nesting site at the Belleair Beach Resort in Belleair Beach.

Short said gravel rooftops are similar to the beach because the birds are able to push gravel around to build nests like they do with sand.

Audubon credits its partnerships with area business like the Belleair Beach Resort with the success of rooftop nesting.

The resort allows Audubon to monitor its rooftop and posts signage in front of the hotel to let visitors know about the exciting activity up above.