In a Facebook post on Friday, the county highlighted the arrival of these wintering shorebirds, some of which have embarked on an incredible journey from the Arctic.

To assist these birds in resting or preparing for their next migration leg to Central or South America, the county encourages beachgoers to maintain a respectful distance and ensure pets are kept on leashes while on the beach.

“Every ounce of energy is vital for these birds,” the county emphasized. “Let’s help them by sharing the shore!”

“Every ounce of energy counts for them,” the county said. “Help the birds and share the shore!”

According to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, the American golden-plover and red knot are a couple of the species of wintering shorebirds that migrate to Florida for the winter — either stopping by temporarily or for the whole season.

“Some species only stop in Florida for a few days before facing the hardest part of their journey: crossing the Caribbean,” the FWC said in a separate Facebook post. “Flying over miles of sea is no easy feat, and birds need to be well-fed and well-rested in order [to] be able to complete this leg of their winter migration.”

Here’s what FWC says you can do to help protect shorebirds:

• Never enter areas posted with shorebird/seabird signs.
• Avoid driving on or beyond the upper beach.
• Drive slow enough to avoid running over chicks.
• Keep dogs on a leash and away from areas where birds may be nesting.
• Keep cats indoors, and do not feed stray cats.
• Properly dispose of trash to keep predators away.
• Do not fly kites near areas where birds may be nesting.