AWE Biology Blog

06/05/2026

We are making a lot of progress in our gopher tortoise surveys at the Isles of Collier Preserve. With the rainy season upon us, we are able to document even more plant species!

05/31/2026

05/31/2026

Brown pelican chicks are growing fast while other species are just starting to build nests. Please give space to the Clam Factory Rookery on the south end of Marco Island. Tour boats parked too close can lead to chicks jumping out of nests and disturbance to birds foraging. Boats have been frequently spotted going full speed through no wake zones where dolphins, manatees, and sea turtles are feeding. Please follow the local signage!

Photos: Brittany Piersma

05/30/2026

Leaving for the season? Get your house sealed before you go and remove that rat poison! Call Seal Em Out! 239-722-8243

05/13/2026

We are deep into owl nesting season! Interested in helping support our efforts? Consider checking out our wish list for supplies!

Wish List:
https://a.co/0czCuZ0I

05/08/2026

We have had 13 burrowing owls killed by cars so far this nesting season on Marco Island. PLEASE SLOW DOWN and keep your eyes on the road. The owls have nested late this year most likely due to the cold streak and dry environment. Chicks are learning to fly and frequently fly low and near roadways. Please help spread the word! Please give owls plenty of space, do not enter private properties, and use binoculars to watch natural behaviors from a distance!

Photos: Brittany Piersma

05/06/2026

Have you seen some different colored birds on the beach? We are entering shorebird nesting season. Breeding plumage is starting to pop on different species including those that still need to migrate north! Check out the beautiful black-bellied plovers, dunlin, and short-billed dowitchers. As always, sharing the beach with birds and giving them space can help for both nesting and migration. Interested in helping us with shorebird outreach this summer? Email us at [email protected]!

Photos by Brittany Piersma

04/24/2026

Have you contacted us for a free presentation on proper rat prevention to your hoa, condo, hotel, or business?

Enjoy the videos and music that you love, upload original content and share it all with friends, family and the world on YouTube.

04/16/2026

04/07/2026

See you all this Saturday from 10am-1pm at Mackle Park under the basketball court! We have the largest number of partners attending this year! Tables will include Seal Em Out, Conservancy of Southwest Florida, MyFWC Florida Fish and Wildlife, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Earth Tech Environmental LLC, Humble Bumble, Naples Chapter of the Florida Native Plant Society, The Naples Preserve, Conservation Collier, Southwest Florida CISMA, Brian McLaren, and Marco Island Police Department! Music, food, fun, and education on gopher tortoises and burrowing owls!