Thanks to the generosity of Florida homebuilder GL Homes, critical efforts are now underway to protect imperiled tricolored herons on Florida’s Gulf Coast.
Named for its dark slate-blue colored head, purple chest, and white under plumage, the tricolored heron faces an uphill battle. These birds prefer to nest on remote islands, making them hard to monitor, and they’re increasingly threatened by human disturbance, discarded fishing gear, and predators. Even a single intrusion by a curious boater can cause parents to abandon their nests, leaving eggs and chicks vulnerable to the elements or opportunistic predators like raccoons and fish crows.
But there’s hope on the horizon. With funding from GL Homes, Audubon Florida is stepping in to monitor and protect seven key nesting sites in the Tampa Bay region. These islands, home to about 150 pairs of tricolored herons, are being surveyed to track nesting success and ensure these birds have the safest possible environment to raise their young. Using remote cameras, Audubon teams will track predators and remove threats when necessary, ensuring minimal disturbance to the colonies during the crucial nesting season.
“The Foundation has been a strong partner in our desire to help tricolored herons,” said GL Homes Senior Vice President Dick Norwalk. “They identified projects we could contribute to, namely studying the herons’ nesting patterns and protecting colonies. We were grateful to work with the Foundation to ensure the conservation of a bird beloved by our team.”
In addition to protecting the birds, Audubon Florida is working to educate the public about the importance of these islands, posting signs and conducting outreach to reduce human interference. Volunteers are also conducting regular cleanups, removing discarded fishing gear and other debris that can entangle and kill nesting birds.
Thanks to our partnership with GL Homes and Audubon Florida, we remain optimistic that the tricolored heron’s graceful flight will continue to paint the Florida skies for generations to come.
