Volunteers at Pompano Beach are working in shifts to provide round the clock protection for the nesting Least Tern birds. The yellow-beaked black and white birds that bury their eggs in the sand, are designated by the State as a “threatened” species according to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission. Local volunteers are dedicating their time, day and night, to protect the birds which are extremely susceptible to nest disturbances. The nests are cordoned off and located approximately 1200 feet north of the Fisher Family Pier. “We are very proud of the job these volunteers are doing to create a safe nesting environment,” said Commissioner Andrea McGee, whose commission district includes the City’s beach. “Seeing these birds interact on our beach is truly a beautiful sight to behold. Thanks to these volunteers, these newly hatched least terns will have a chance at survival.” Nationwide efforts by bird lovers and conservationists have help the species, which are the smallest of the North American Terns. Earlier this year, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service announced that the interior least tern was removed from the endangered species list and had been brought back from the brink of extinction. In Florida however, the bird is still listed as a threatened species.
