Western Snowy Plovers

By Regina Orr

Did you know that the Central Coast has the largest population of the Federally threatened Western Snowy Plover anywhere?  We live in a unique area with a diverse and productive ecosystem.  This special ecosystem is one of the last of its kind on the California coastline.  The Morro Bay area alone has over 125 adult plovers nesting on its beaches this year.  

This small shorebird nests right out in the open sand in small depressions, making it exceptionally vulnerable to disturbance.  The eggs and chicks are so well camouflaged that they are easily overlooked and often times inadvertently destroyed by beachgoers. During the breeding season from March through September, California State Parks erects seasonal fencing around the plover nesting areas to help with their survival and at the same time protecting several rare plant species.  

To observe these well camouflaged birds, stand at the water’s edge on the beach and slowly scan the dry sand area with binoculars.  The plovers are often crouched in small depressions in the sand taking shelter from the wind and predators.  

With your help, California State Parks is able to protect this land which provides habitat for the Western Snowy Plover and many other sensitive species.  By respecting the fences, staying clear of the nests, keeping pets off of the beach, avoiding kite flying (which resemble predators such as hawks to a plover), and picking up trash on the beach (which attracts predators to the beach), the opportunity for these birds and other species to survive has been extended.  Each person who visits the beach impacts the plovers’ ability to survive...or not.  

Another way you can make a difference is by volunteering with California State Parks Western Snowy Plover program.  Volunteers help in protecting the snowy plover from disturbance by raising awareness among park visitors of the importance of the snowy plovers and the coastal dune habitat. Public outreach may involve operating a snowy plover educational booth, providing educational crafts for children, or roving the beach making contacts with visitors about how to use the beach responsibly. Volunteers also keep watch on plover signage and fencing and contribute to plover habitat protection during all major holidays during the plover breeding season.  Each of these opportunities plays a crucial role in the protection of the snowy plovers. During the winter months (October through February), in addition to public outreach, the volunteers will conduct counts of the snowy plovers and record color band combinations. Training on identification, the natural history and threats to the snowy plover and their coastal dune habitat will be provided.

For more information on the Western Snowy Plover visit Western Snowy Plover.org