Do not disturb! Migrating Northern Gannets aren't injured — they're resting
HUTCHINSON ISLAND — Typically this time of year, the Northern Gannet makes its way to South Florida and sometimes residents see these snowbirds resting and think that they are injured.
However, the gannets need to warm up before flying.
St. Lucie County’s Animal Safety, Service & Protection staff urges residents that if they see these birds on the beaches: Do not disturb or remove them.
Northern Gannets also walk with difficulty and this means that they have problems getting airborne from a flat area. They take off from water by facing into the wind and strongly beating their wings. In light winds and high waves, they are sometimes unable to take off and they can become beached.
They may well take flight and rest on the beach before taking off again, once the weather conditions are permissible.
Resting on a beach does not indicate that the bird is ill or in need of help.
Removing the birds from the beaches causes unnecessary stress for the birds which could result in the birds passing away from the stress of the transport.
Juveniles begin to move south during their first winter.
Fully grown juveniles are a dusky-brown replica of their parents.
Like other seabirds, the Northern Gannet takes several years to attain adult plumage, going through various stages of mottled dark-and-white plumages before becoming pure white with black wing-tips at four to five years of age.
Once a Northern Gannet fledges from its nesting colony and is in the water, it is apparently unable to take off again for as much as two weeks.
The bird is likely to begin its southward migration to the Gulf of Mexico by swimming – not flying.
If you see a Northern Gannet on the beach, the best thing to do is leave it alone.
If you see that the bird is injured or visibly distressed, call 9-1-1 for assistance or report the incident to the Florida Fish & Wildlife Service at 888-404-FWCC (888-404-3922).
Cellphone users can also text call *FWC or #FWC or text Tip@MyFWC.com.