The recovery of western snowy plovers requires successful collaboration. Our relationship with Point Blue Conservation Science and Point Reyes National Seashore Association has been crucial for the success of the monitoring and management program. With Point Blue biologists Ryan DiGaudio and Carleton Eyster, PRNSA Wildlife Biological Technician Aiko Goldston, and our fledgling docent monitoring program, we conducted over 250 nesting plover surveys in 2024, found 41 nests on Point Reyes beaches, of which 28 had successfully hatched.

From there, snowy plovers managed to raise and fledge at least 25 juveniles! Often, the plovers work as a team as well: when we attend a nest hatch to band chicks with color bands, the adult male and female of the nest perform their raucous broken wing displays to distract us away from their hatchlings. Sometimes, plovers from neighboring territories join in to assist with their own displays. These observations are often shared with visitors by our dedicated snowy plover interpretive docents, to connect them with this protected species they may unintentionally impact. Docents provide a critical component of our plover conservation program: education and spreading awareness about how park visitors can help.

Pictured above, from top to bottom: Adult snowy plover and chicks; a newly hatched chick; Wildlife Biological Technician Aiko Goldston adjusting an exclosure; Wildlife Biologist Matt Lau listening to an egg for signs of hatching. Chicks & eggs are held by trained biologists, and photos taken under Permit No. ES081810. Photos by Matt Lau and Avani Fachon.

In addition to ongoing research to assist informing future adaptive management for snowy plovers, these combined efforts are having meaningful impacts. The preliminary estimate for the 2024 breeding population size for Point Reyes was 50 adults, more than double the estimate from 2019. These incredible results emphasize the importance of continued collaboration, partnerships, and long-term monitoring for the benefit of this incredible shorebird species.

Warmly,

Matt Lau

Western snowy plovers have unique design preferences when it comes to lining their nests! Each pair seems to have an affinity for a certain material, such as pebbles, shells, or small twigs. Which nest design sparks joy for you? Photos by Matt Lau.

In July, biologists found a snowy plover nest between North Beach and Abbotts Lagoon near the high tide line and were concerned that it might be over-washed. With authorization through the Threatened & Endangered Species Permit, the eggs were transported to International Bird Rescue in Fairfield, CA. There, they are being raised and will soon be released back into the park near a winter flock of snowy plovers. Read more!

Party on the Pacific Plate is a celebration for a brighter future in conservation, education, and connecting people to our National Seashore.

Tickets include special pre-dinner talks, hikes, and walks, followed by a delicious dinner featuring food and drink from our local community partners and upbeat live music from SambaDá and the Latin Jazz Youth Ensemble. Join the celebration!