81.7 F
Charlotte Amalie
Friday, March 29, 2024
HomeNewsArchivesCays Closed for Summer to Protect Migratory Seabirds

Cays Closed for Summer to Protect Migratory Seabirds

Seasonal migratory seabirds began arriving in the territory early in April, and are now starting to nest on beaches and offshore islands, so Planning and Natural Resources wants residents to avoid driving on mudflats and steer clear of coastal nests, according to the department. The cays are closed to visitation until September to prevent disturbance to the nesting colonies, DPNR announced in a statement.

These seabirds migrate from South and Central America, where they overwinter, and come to the U.S. Virgin Islands to breed, according to DPNR. The birds nest in colonies of up to several hundred pairs, often laying eggs in rudimentary nests on the ground. They generally nest on the offshore cays, but certain species, such as the locally endangered Least Tern, also have nesting sites on mudflats and beaches on St Croix, as well as St Thomas and St John.

One or two eggs are laid in a season, and usually only one chick survives to fledging. If disturbed, the parents will fly away from the nest leaving the eggs or chicks exposed to high temperatures and predators. The parents will not nest again if the eggs are lost.

All migratory birds are protected from injury, killing, and harassment. It is illegal to disturb nesting seabirds and to collect eggs.

Print Friendly, PDF & Email
Keeping our community informed is our top priority.
If you have a news tip to share, please call or text us at 340-228-8784.

Support local + independent journalism in the U.S. Virgin Islands

Unlike many news organizations, we haven't put up a paywall – we want to keep our journalism as accessible as we can. Our independent journalism costs time, money and hard work to keep you informed, but we do it because we believe that it matters. We know that informed communities are empowered ones. If you appreciate our reporting and want to help make our future more secure, please consider donating.