In just a few days, Sanibel Causeway beaches will finally welcome visitors, nearly three years after Ian destroyed the area.
Major strides have been made on Sanibel, but the expected visitors are stirring up some concerns about nesting shore birds.
Least tern birds are laying their eggs on the Sanibel Causeway beaches.
"Since the construction ended and there was these big, beautiful, wide open beaches, we were out here right away checking for the birds, and sure enough, they came back and started nesting right away," said SCCF shorebird biologist Audrey Albrecht.
The Sanibel-Captiva Conservation Foundation has been keeping a close eye on the beaches. SCCF has spotted around a dozen nests so far, and their eggs blend right into the sand.
"They are a state-threatened species. This beach is their home, so we're sharing their home with them. So we want to make sure that we're protecting the birds," said Albrecht.
Dozens of orange stakes have been placed, marking off a large area on Causeway Island A. People coming to the beach islands will need to make sure they don't disturb any bird nesting sites
"We put out very clear signage...The best thing we can do is just give them the space they need," said Albrecht.
You might be wondering if this will affect the Sanibel Causeway Islands reopening on May 1st? Don't worry... Lee county leaders say this won't be a problem.
Folks like Michael Polowchena can't wait for opening day. He's been counting down since Hurricane Ian wiped out the islands in 2022.
"Just like other places where they mark off the turtle nesting and so forth and respect that. So it shouldn't be an issue. Depending on what section they open and when, it's a lot of beachfront. So there's a lot to room," said Polowchena.
Park rangers and volunteers will be out there to help educate the visitors about the birds.
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