National Park Service
U.S. Department of the Interior
Gulf Islands National Seashore
Florida and Mississippi
Your Speed Matters!
Each spring, shorebirds like least terns, fly thousands of
miles from South America to nest and raise their young
on the beaches of Gulf Islands National Seashore. Some
species are threatened or endangered such as the snowy
plovers. Snowy plover adults and chicks frequent the road
and shoulders to feed on insects. Least terns get hit flying
low over the road defending their nests from humans.
Observe the Speed Limits!
Sadly, in 2010, 155 birds were hit on park roads, 117 in
2011, 29 in 2012, and in 2013, 94 birds were killed.
Help us protect these fantastic fliers.
Gulf Islands Shorebirds
Least tern and snowy plover chicks often wander
outside of posted areas and into the road way. They
will usually be accompanied by an adult bird. Can
you spot all three of the most threatened shorebirds
during your visit to Gulf Islands National Seashore?
Snowy Plover
Least Tern
Black Skimmer
Gulf Islands National Seashore
1801 Gulf Breeze Parkway
Gulf Breeze, Florida
(850) 934-2600
www.nps.gov/guis
