Sep. 4-Labor Day is all about celebrating the efforts and accomplishments of workers across the country. For many, the day off work provides a needed opportunity to relax, spend time with friends and family, or get outdoors. Friends of the Dunes asks if you choose to celebrate on one of California's North Coast beaches, to make sure you know about the hard work that threatened Western snowy plovers are doing.
From March 1 to Sept. 15, Western snowy plovers have been hard at work ensuring the continued existence of their species. They've had to find good breeding habitat, meet a mate, build nests (called "scrapes"), lay and incubate eggs, and care for chicks.
According to Friends of the Dunes press release: "These little workers need your help to finish out their breeding season strong. Plovers, chicks and nests are all very small and difficult to see in the sand. This means that if walking in their breeding habitat (dry sandy areas above the high-tide line), you could easily and accidently disturb the birds or even step on a nest. This can be avoided by walking below the high-tide line in the hard-packed, wet sand areas."
Here are some other tips from Friends of the Dunes to help plovers successfully and safely complete their tasks:
-Know beach-specific dog rules before you go. If dogs are permitted, follow the leash rules. Do not allow your dog(s) to chase birds.
-Leave space for wildlife and enjoy the birds from afar. Leave birds alone; don't approach or chase them.
-Avoid prolonged picnicking or sunbathing in plover nesting habitat (dry sand areas above the wrack line).
-Walk on the wet, hard-packed sand below the wrack line to avoid nesting habitat.
-Respect all posted signs and/or roped-off areas for the protection of wildlife.
-Camp or build fires only in designated areas.
-Pack out trash, don't leave or bury it. Garbage attracts predators such as ravens, crows, ravens, gulls, and skunks. 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 driving over old vehicle or foot tracks as plovers like to rest or "loaf" in these and are extremely hard to see.
-Avoid flying kites or other hovering objects near plover nesting habitat.
To balance recreational opportunities and wildlife protection along the North Coast, beach activities may be restricted to certain areas during the breeding season.
The Friends of the Dunes press release says, "You can do your part in protecting adults, chicks, and eggs by knowing and adhering to location-specific rules and regulations."
Friends of the Dunes is dedicated to conserving the natural diversity of coastal environments through community supported education and stewardship programs.
(c)2022 Times-Standard, Eureka, Calif. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.