Los Angeles Audubon Society

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Plover Dads are in charge of rearing chicks

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Los Angeles Audubon Society has been working to monitor and protect Snowy Plovers nesting on LA County beaches. Interested volunteers should stay tuned for upcoming online training (to be posted via Los Angeles Audubon Facebook and this website.)

Sharing this message from Audubon California

On Father's Day, Help Snowy Plover Dads Keep Chicks Safe

 

Plover Dads are Fledging Chicks On Beaches Now

 Right now, Snowy Plover dads are working hard to raise tiny chicks on California’s beaches.

In their parenting roles, Snowy Plover dads are in charge of rearing chicks. Snowy Plover moms leave the brood to find new mates and start new nests. 

Just as vulnerable chicks are out walking along the sands, some counties are reopening beaches. Plover dads need a few more undisturbed weeks to fledge their chicks and finish a memorably successful nesting season.

Due to COVID-19, Audubon’s staff and volunteers have been unable to monitor beaches and inform beachgoers to give plovers their space. We need your help. 

On Father's Day, help Snowy Plover dads by keeping a safe distance from chicks, nests and fencing at the beach. Even birds need peace and quiet at home.  

You can speed the road to recovery for this threatened species by following these 7 steps to Share the Shore:

  1. Respect the fences and signs, and stay outside of areas roped off for breeding Snowy Plovers.

  2. Keep dogs on leash or away from the beach. Or visit a dog-friendly beach.

  3. If you see small eggs on the beach outside a fence, back away to let the parent bird return and call harbor patrol to let them know.

  4. Avoid use of loud or large flying things that Snowy Plovers perceive as predators such as drones, fireworks, and kites. Do not release balloons.

  5. Grab your binoculars and enjoy watching Snowy Plovers instead of approaching nest fences.

  6. Educate your friends about Snowy Plovers and encourage them to Share the Shore responsibly.

  7. Enjoy this Share the Shore video and share it with your friends!

Thank you for supporting Snowy Plover dads and keeping their chicks safe!

Sincerely,

Andrea Jones, Director of Bird Conservation