Nesting Success Increases for Snowy Plovers at Willapa National Wildlife Refuge

Western snowy plover nests are increasing at a 40-acre restoration area at Leadbetter Point in the Willapa National Wildlife Refuge in Washington, where invasive European and American beachgrass have been removed.

The snowy plover, a small shorebird which is a federally listed threatened species, breeds primarily on coastal beaches from southern Washington to southern Baja California, Mexico. The bird’s nesting season extends from early March through late September, when it nests on the ground in flat, open, sandy areas or areas that are sparsely vegetated. Its back feathers are the color of beach sand, which helps it to blend in when predators approach.

The Willapa restoration site was further prepared by spreading oyster shells to stabilize the sand and create natural camouflage for the nests. In 2005, the restoration area had 22 nests, with 16 of them resulting in hatchlings. In comparison, the area had only three nests in 2004, and two of them resulted in hatchlings. The entire Leadbetter Point area, including restoration area and the outer beach, had 32 nests in 2005, with 21 of them successfully hatching.

For more information, contact Susan Saul, Office of External Affairs, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Portland, OR, Susan_Saul@fws.gov; (503) 872-2728.