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When an audience member asked what the Audubon group has in mind to protect the birds from the crowds expected for July Fourth, Catherine Luckner replied, "We have a plan." Bob Luckner added that one measure the group has been considering is the erection of a silt net, similar to those used at construc- tion sites, around the main nesting area near Accesses 4 and 5. That type of barrier was used successfully on a St. Petersburg beach last year to protect nesting birds, he pointed out. However, "It was just like corralling cats for a couple of hours," he said, as volunteers tried to maneuver all the chicks and nesting adults into the area surrounded by the net. After the birds were gathered behind the bar- rier, he said, they were inclined to stay there. HIGH HOPES In 2013, Sarasota Audubon volunteers achieved an 80-percent success rate with the number of endangered Snowy Plovers that reached the fledgling stage after hatching. The total, however, was just four birds. If the volunteers can keep the remaining nesting birds of all species safe this season, Worms told the News Leader, "This is going to be the most exceptional breeding season Siesta Key has known [perhaps in centuries]." Catherine Luckner has attributed the accre- tion of sand on the northern end of the public beach as the primary reason so many birds have made themselves at home on Siesta Key. "It's a huge big beach that didn't used to be there," she explained at the SKA meeting. % PUBLIC IS ALWAYS WELCOME WITH QUESTIONS FOR OUR GUEST SiestaKeyAssociation.com NO SKA MEETING IN JULY The Siesta Key Association wishes everyone a Safe and Happy 4th of July Sarasota News Leader June 27, 2014 Page 14