Snowy plover nesting season returns to the Oregon Coast

PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) — Plover nesting season has arrived on the Oregon Coast and officials are reminding beachgoers to be mindful in their habitat.

From March 15 through Sept. 15, the Oregon Parks and Recreation Department says beachgoers can help with recovery efforts for the western snowy plover, which is threatened, and their population has been declining.

During nesting season, signs might be seen at trail heads and certain areas could be roped off to help protect the small birds and their exposed nests.

Officials said that during nesting season, the nests and chicks are well camouflaged and that human disturbances can scare away the adult plovers, but left alone too long, the eggs and chicks can die from exposure or predators.

“With the support of the public and improvements to plover habitat, we’re making great strides in reversing the decline of this species,” said Cindy Burns, Siuslaw National Forest wildlife biologist. “Keep doing your part to understand nesting season rules and to share the beach this spring and summer.”

From March till September, designated plover beaches, which can be found on the Parks and Recreation website, have specific rules including not allowing dogs, vehicles, or camping and keeping all foot traffic to below the high-tide line where sand is harder packed.

Western snowy plovers have been a threatened species since 1993 when officials said they only counted 45 breeding adults, but thanks to ongoing efforts, as of 2024 officials counted 440 breeding adults.

“We appreciate visitors’ support in keeping these shorebirds safe in the combined 40 miles of protected area along the coast. We invite visitors to enjoy permitted recreation in those areas or to recreate without seasonal restrictions on the hundreds of miles of beaches not designated as plover nesting areas,” said Laurel Hillmann, ocean shore specialist for Oregon Parks and Recreation Department.

Wildlife experts like Siuslaw National Forest biologist Cindy Burns have marked plover nesting areas along trailheads and posted nesting maps online for the northern and southern Oregon coasts to educate the public about the delicate habitat.

“With the support of the public and improvements to plover habitat, we’re making great strides in reversing the decline of this species,” Burns said. “Keep doing your part to understand nesting season rules and to share the beach this spring and summer.”