Shell Key Preserve Description: Shell Key Preserve is a 1755-acre preserve located immediately west of Tierra Verde in southern Pinellas County. It includes Shell Key, a 180-acre undeveloped barrier island, and several mangrove islands, sea grass beds, mud flats, and sand bars that lie to the east of Shell Key. In 1997 Shell Key arose from three sand spits that coalesced into one large C-shaped island and is constantly altered by tides, currents, and stochastic weather events. Since that time, vegetative succession has progressed along the sandy open areas to the interior of the island, which are preferred by shorebirds for nesting and roosting. Consequently, the remaining sandy open areas, which are concentrated along the beaches, have become more critical for shorebirds. The large lagoon to the north and the expansive Australian pine forest to the south, remain fairly stable. However, the south, west and north shorelines are very dynamic. The outer part of Shell Key succeeds 2.5 miles of intertidal and upper beach dune habitat and consists of shallow mudflats and a sea grass habitat. The eastern side of Shell Key consists of a coastal strand of tidal marches and swamps. Type 1 habitat is currently located along the emergent mud flats at the northern and southern tips of Shell Key, as well as the lagoon of the north-central interior portion of Shell Key.

Shell Key is only accessible by boat or a private ferry from Pass-a-Grille, and no motorized vehicles are allowed anywhere on the island. Approximately 65 acres within the north-central portion of Shell Key has been set-aside as a Bird Preservation Area for nesting shorebirds, and public access is prohibited within this area. Although the State of Florida owns Shell Key Preserve, Pinellas County manages the preserve as well as the submerged lands. Ponnoma Island, however, is privately owned.

In 2000, Pinellas County organized a group of skilled volunteers from St. Petersburg Audubon Society to survey the northern two-thirds of Shell Key in order to monitor nesting and wintering shorebirds. The surveys were conducted every two weeks from September through March. The volunteers split up into three predetermined routes, and the total length of time to survey the area is about two to three hours. According to Steve Harper, as of 2005 the survey frequency was cut back to once per month and St. Petersburg volunteers run their own shuttle transport out to the key on weekends. The research staff of Shell Key Preserve also collects data on nesting shorebirds once every week from March to August.

The most numerous species based on maximum counts for the spring migration of 2000- 2003 from the Audubon surveys are: BBPL (1010), WIPL (104), SEPL (1045), PIPL (30), AMOY (46), GRYE (60), WILL (1024), MAGO (105), RUTU (103), REKN (1012), SAND (1005), SESA (39), LESA (37), DUNL (1562), SBDO (419). The most numerous species based on maximum counts for the fall migration of 2000-2002 from the park research staff surveys are: BBPL (229), SNPL (14), WIPL (62), SEPL (205), PIPL (31), WILL (392), AMOY (18), MAGO (77), RUTU (35), REKN (1268), SAND (463), DUNL (637), SBDO (424).

Survey Method: Ground survey at low tide when the mud flats are exposed. Visibility is excellent with spotting scope. Selection Bias: The mangrove islands to the east may have shorebird hotspots, but accessibility is difficult due to extremely shallow water.

Measurement error: *

Measurement bias: *

Pilot Studies: Type 1 habitat will frequently change with the dynamic nature of the island, so the current condition and shorebird use will need to be assessed every year.

Local Contacts: Steve Harper, Research Director, Pinellas County Environmental Management