Overview
Hello Ploverites!
We have entered the latter half of the snowy plover nesting season—both nest and hatchling survival tends to increase dramatically during this period. We believe this is the case because there are fewer common ravens observed roaming the beaches during this time. We expect several nests to hatch in the next week, primarily on North Beach; one nest is due to hatch this weekend on Limantour Beach, near the main access.
This past year, we collaborated with Point Blue Conservation Science on research investigating climate-change-related impacts on snowy plovers, in Point Reyes National Seashore and Monterey Bay. Results show that predation risk will likely increase, exacerbated by the already expected habitat loss due to sea level rise. This study reinforces the need to continue active and adaptive management for snowy plovers in the park. You can find more information about this study in an article that Matt Lau wrote for the Park Science magazine entitled "Western Snowy Plovers Could Face Multiple Threats from Climate Change."
Here are updates organized by beach sites:
Kehoe (K):
The two nests that were active here last week have both mysteriously been abandoned. One nest was abandoned likely because of wind that caused the eggs to roll out of the exclosure and were subsequently depredated; the adult pair associated with this nest have been observed and will likely lay another nest soon. It is unknown what caused the second Kehoe nest to be abandoned; we have not observed this adult pair yet.
Abbotts Lagoon Restoration Area (RA):
There are currently no active nests within the RA, but there are a couple of active nests on the foredunes in front of the RA (technically on NP site, see below).
Abbotts Lagoon to North Beach parking lot (NP):
There are currently seven active nests, four of which are projected to hatch in the next week. One nest hatched late last week and the brood with chicks was observed days ago.
North Beach (NB):
There hasn't been any breeding activity between North Beach and South Beach parking lots since the start of the season.
South Beach (SB):
No breeding activity has been observed at this site this year.
Limantour (L):
One active nest will be hatching this weekend, meaning two broods will be present at this site. The older brood, which hatched on June 1, is projected to fledge next week, increasing our fledge count to five. New nests will likely pop up in the coming weeks.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact Matt Lau, the park's Snowy Plover Ecologist, via email.
CURRENT STATS:
- 26 total nests this season
- 8 active nest
- 10 hatched
- 8 failed nests
- 3 chicks on the beach
- 4 chicks confirmed fledged
A Limantour nest under invasive European sea rocket.
Newly hatched chicks on North Beach.
NPS Biologist Matt Lau putting colored bands on a newly hatched chick.
The National Park Service shall not be held liable for improper or incorrect use of the data described and/or contained herein. These data and related graphics (if available) are not legal documents and are not intended to be used as such. The information contained in these data is dynamic and may change over time. The National Park Service gives no warranty, expressed or implied, as to the accuracy, reliability, or completeness of these data. For more information: https://www.nps.gov/disclaimer.htm