Florida helicopter pilot accused of harassing protected birds after landing on shorebird nesting site

A Florida helicopter pilot was charged this week by the state’s Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) after he allegedly landed on a closed shorebird nesting site.

Ernesto Cordero was charged with harassing nesting birds, a misdemeanor, for allegedly damaging the eggs of a protected species when he landed in Egmont Key State Park, scattering hundreds of shorebirds after smelling fuel, according to FOX 13.

He was also cited for landing a helicopter in a state park and entering a closed area.

Shorebirds flocked to the wildlife refuge to breed, according to the FWC.

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Cordero told FOX 13 he feared the helicopter was leaking fuel and chose to land at the wildlife refuge at the mouth of Tampa Bay rather than risk an accident.

FWC investigators said witnesses reported seeing a female get out of the helicopter and take photos of the closed nest site, which contained black skimmers and sandwich terns. Cordero said he was able to check for a leak without getting out of the helicopter. He added that he did not radio in an emergency.

Hubbard Navy Capt. Robyn Lela told FOX 13, “It’s their home and we get to it and we have to respect that.”

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Cordero was flying a helicopter owned by CC Landscaping Warehouse Plus, Inc. in Bradenton, Fla., the Tampa Bay Times reported, citing Flight Aware. Cordero apparently owns the company.

Cordero eventually landed further south in Punta Gorda, the Times reported.

“Our seabirds and shorebirds have an intrinsic value and a right to exist here on the beach,” Audubon Florida’s Audrey DeRose-Wilson told FOX 13. “But if we want to talk about, like the value that we -it offers, are indicators of a healthy and functioning ecosystem, which benefits us all.”

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Audubon Florida said wind from the helicopter’s blades likely damaged the eggs at the nesting site as the pilot landed.

Cordero is expected back in court on July 1, according to the news outlet.