The Economic Times

When a tropical cyclone hit Floridas Gulf coast in July 2026, sea turtles werent the only victims: The worlds 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.