With many people likely planning beach barbecues and picnics this holiday weekend, Friends of the Dunes would like to remind you that it is currently nesting season for the western snowy plover — a local shorebird, considered threatened by the Endangered Species act.
Because plovers nest on open beaches, the birds and their eggs are extremely vulnerable and things like leaving trash around (which attracts predators), letting your dogs run off-leash and setting off loud and scary fireworks can really disrupt and potentially harm these vulnerable creatures.
Here is more info from Friends of the Dunes on how to celebrate this holiday with respect for our feathered friends:
How are you choosing to celebrate Fourth of July this year? Are you
breaking out the cornhole board and BBQ, spending time with friends and
family (safely of course), watching a firework show, or enjoying our
public lands?
If you find yourself celebrating at one of our
North Coast beaches this year, please be aware of its wild residents.
Threatened western snowy plovers, amongst other critters, live and
depend on these beaches. Right now, plovers are in their breeding season
and are focused on creating the next generation of small, feathered
beachgoers.
Fourth of July can be an especially perilous time
for plovers. Use of fireworks and increased human presence on beaches
are serious threats to these birds and their offspring. Fireworks are
known to cause nest, chick, and territory abandonment. This abandonment
leads to increased vulnerability to predators, nest and chick failure,
and impacts to adults’ health. Increased human presence can have these
effects and result in accidental trampling of eggs and chicks if people
(and their dogs and horses) walk through dry sand areas that represent
good plover nesting habitat. If celebrating Fourth of July on
beaches this year, there are some things you can do to ensure plover
adults, eggs, and chicks have the best possible chance of survival:
Fireworks
are not allowed on most public beaches. Check beach-specific firework
regulations before you plan your Fourth of July weekend activities.
Respect all posted signs and/or roped-off areas for the protection of wildlife.
Walk on the wet, hard-packed to avoid nesting habitat.
Do not approach birds or nests.
Avoid prolonged picnicking or sunbathing in plover nesting habitat.
Check and follow beach-specific camping and campfire regulations.
Be
sure to know beach-specific dog rules before you go. If dogs are
permitted, follow the leash rules and don’t allow your dog to play in
dry sand areas where birds are more prone to nest. Never allow your
dog(s) to chase birds.
Do not leave or bury trash or food
scraps on the beach. Garbage attracts predators such as gulls, crows,
ravens and skunks. Please dispose of all trash properly and do not
inadvertently (or intentionally) feed wildlife.
If you’re on a
beach that allows vehicles, drive ‘low and slow’, staying on the
hard-packed sand below the high tide line where plovers forage.
Avoid flying kites or other hovering objects near plover nesting habitat.
To
balance recreational opportunities and wildlife protection along the
Photo: North Coast Field Biologists
North Coast, beach activities may be restricted to certain areas during
the breeding season, March 15- September 15. You can do your part in
protecting adults, chicks, and eggs by knowing and adhering to
location-specific rules and regulations. For more information on the
western snowy plover and YOU, beach rules and regulations, beach access,
and a user-friendly dog guide, explore the following links:
The
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service works with others to conserve, protect,
and enhance fish, wildlife, plants, and their habitats for the
continuing benefit of the American people. For more information about
our work and the people who make it happen, visit https://www.fws.gov/arcata/ or connect with us via Facebook, YouTube, and Flickr.
The
Bureau of Land Management’s mission is to sustain the health,
diversity, and productivity of public lands for the use and enjoyment of
present and future generations.
Friends of the Dunes is
dedicated to conserving the natural diversity of coastal environments
through community supported education and stewardship programs.
The
California Department of Parks and Recreation’s mission is to provide
for the health, inspiration and education of the people of California by
helping to preserve the state’s extraordinary biological diversity,
protecting its most valued natural and cultural resources, and creating
opportunities for high-quality outdoor recreation.
CLICK TO MANAGE