Aransas County Navigation District (ACND) commissioners, at their regular meeting Monday, July 18, heard a report from Harbor Master Keith Barrett about the status of black skimmer nesting inside the circular drive at the end of Rockport Beach.
He noted the district receives a lot of complaints because the circular drive is now completely barricaded until recently hatched black skimmers can fly.
“We’re working with Coastal Bend Bays and Estuaries and the Texas Parks & Wildlife Department to monitor the skimmer colony,” said Barrett.
As soon as they give thumbs up, the road will reopen to vehicular traffic.
Barrett noted a large area near the saltwater swimming pool was roped off, but the black skimmers moved into the circular drive area.
“They go where they want to go,” he said. “The babies are mobile, and in order to protect them, we’re trying to keep a separation between birds and people.”
Barrett noted he understands it is an inconvenience for some, but it is saving skimmers.
Commissioner Tommy Moore reminded commissioners several years ago there was an incident where an individual purposely drove through the nesting birds, killing many of them.
“Humans are humans,” replied Barrett. “Not all are compassionate.”
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