When a tropical cyclone hit Florida’s Gulf coast in July 2026, sea turtles weren’t the only victims: The world’s smallest tern was raising young on Pensacola beach when seawater inundated its nesting grounds

During the nesting season, coastal birds like Least Terns and Black Skimmers are at high risk from tropical cyclones. These birds nest directly on sandy shores, making their eggs and chicks particularly vulnerable to storm surges that can flood breeding sites. The coinciding of nesting and hurricane seasons, as seen with storm Bertha in July 2026, reveals the dire threats these seabirds face.