Issue link: https://newsleader.uberflip.com/i/170820
Sarasota News Leader September 13, 2013 to people who had been identified as perpetrating the vandalism and told them to cease disturbing the buffers. "And, you know what," Luckner said. "They did! … It seems to make a difference when a guy with a gun shows up." When SKA Director Joe Volpe asked whether it would be better for the Sarasota Audubon group to keep up permanent buffers for the plovers, Luckner said the volunteers were not inclined to do that. "We like the people in the winter to enjoy the beach," he added. Page 68 up the buffers made him think of the film Field of Dreams: "Build it and they'll come." The snowy plovers seem to show up after the buffers are erected, he pointed out. Moreover, the birds tend to come back to the areas where they hatch. Retired wildlife biologist Worms, who is also a Sarasota Audubon volunteer, told SKA members during their August meeting that a number of snowy plovers live on Siesta Key. The birds may leave occasionally to visit Lido Beach, he noted, and sometimes in the fall and Sgt. Scott Osborne, leader of the Sheriff's Of- winter they fly to the Bahamas for warmer fice's Community Policing Station in Siesta weather, but they return. Village, has told The Sarasota News Leader Moreover, he pointed out, "We know the popuin the past that some people who live along lation we have on the [Siesta] beach is running the beach have been resentful of the buffers, from about 16 to 22 birds." claiming the roped-off areas impede their acAltogether, Worms told The Sarasota News cess to the shore. Leader in July, only about 220 snowy plovers "We'll be back in April," Luckner told the SKA remain in Florida, according to well-known audience, adding, with a chuckle, that putting FWC wildlife biologist Nancy Douglass. An adult snowy plover makes its home on Siesta Key. Photo courtesy of Catherine Luckner