Partners come together to protect beach-nesting birds during the busiest season of the year. Huguenot Memorial Park is a critical Northeast Florida nesting site for coastal birds, including Royal Terns and Laughing Gulls. Thousands of birds nest here each year, typically at the north end of the park. Popular for beachgoers as well, park managers usually close some of the beach to vehicles during nesting season to allow chicks safe access to the water. 2024: A PROBLEM EMERGES In 2024, nesting shifted significantly south of the traditional closed area, which meant the birds moved into areas where vehicles drive and park as they moved from the dunes to the water. Tragically, more than 40 birds perished as a result of vehicle strikes. Additionally, the situation highlighted limits of relying on historic nesting patterns to guide protections.…