Give snowy plovers space as breeding season nears
It's the season for love. And the Friends of the Dunes want to remind local residents, love is in the air for a multitude of species, including Western snowy plovers who start breeding season soon. Plover breeding season takes place from March 1 to Sept. 15 on North Coast beaches.
“Migratory western snowy plovers, some of whom ventured away for the winter, are making their way back as the breeding season approaches,” a release from the Friends of the Dunes stated. “While some plovers choose to migrate, others have chosen to spend the winter at or near their local breeding areas.”
Male plovers work hard to attract a mate. To win over their potential mates, these males meticulously create multiple nests called “scrapes” — small, shallow cup-shaped depressions in the sand. They use their legs to kick out sand and their breasts to smooth out the shape. The males often adorn these scrapes with pebbles, small pieces of driftwood, and shells to help the scrape camouflage into its surroundings. The females test the scrapes before deciding on the ideal nesting spot.
Residents and dog owners in particular are encouraged to follow guidelines around nesting places on local beaches.
• Know beach-specific dog rules before you go. If dogs are permitted, follow the leash rules. Prevent dogs from chasing birds.
• Admire birds from afar. Do your best at giving birds distance.
• Leave no trace. Garbage attracts predators such as gulls, crows, ravens, and skunks. Please dispose of all trash properly and avoid feeding wildlife. Human food can make wildlife very sick.
• If you're on a beach that allows vehicles, drive low and slow on the hardpacked sand. Drive below the high tide line where plovers and other shorebirds forage. Avoid driving in other vehicle tracks; plovers often like to sit in vehicle track depressions.
• Walk on the wet, hardpacked sand below the wrack line, the line at the beach where the seaweed and marine debris gathers.
• Check and follow beach-specific camping and campfire regulations.
To balance recreational opportunities and wildlife protection along the North Coast, beach activities may be restricted to certain areas during the breeding season.