California Get Involved

Western Snowy Plovers in California

The Western Snowy Plover is a small, threatened shorebird—about the size of a sparrow—that nests along the Pacific Coast from Oregon to California. From March through September, these birds lay their tiny, sand-colored eggs on beaches, peninsulas, and estuaries, often using natural debris like kelp, driftwood, and shells to create their nests.

Audubon California and local Audubon chapters are devoted to the protection and recovery of this adorable shorebird. Our goal is to provide a comprehensive resource for information, education and community involvement. For the public, we hope to encourage people to learn about plovers and how they can help save them and their habitat. For public agencies, organizations and landowners involved with plover recovery, we aim to promote communication and partnerships that will make recovery efforts more effective.

 

Western Snowy Plover Volunteer Opportunities
Morro Coast Audubon
Morro Coast Audubon

Volunteers help protect the Western Snowy Plover from disturbance by raising awareness among beach visitors about the importance of both the plover and its coastal dune habitat.

Monterey Audubon
Monterey Audubon

In partnership with CA State Parks through the Snowy Plover Guardian Program, trained volunteers educate beachgoers on regulations protecting Western Snowy Plover habitat. Their efforts support Point Blue Conservation Science researchers.

Ventura Audubon
Ventura Audubon

Attend a free half-day volunteer Beach Naturalist training to learn about beach ecology, conservation, regulations, and outreach. Help protect Western Snowy Plovers and California Least Terns by educating beach visitors.

Sea and Sage Audubon
Sea and Sage Audubon

After training, volunteers help protect Western Snowy Plovers and California Least Terns! Opportunities include quarterly bird counts and seasonal monitoring during weekly 2-hour shifts from April to July (outreach materials and parking pass provided).

Buena Vista Audubon
Buena Vista Audubon

Each winter and spring, third and fourth graders are introduced to Western Snowy Plovers, California Least Terns, and their critical habitats through the "Sharing Our Shores" program led by the chapter's volunteer nature guides.

Threats to the Western Snowy Plover

Plovers face natural predators like falcons, raccoons, and coyotes—but human activity poses one of the biggest threats. Vehicles, unleashed dogs, and even flying kites can startle plovers, causing them to abandon their nests. Without protection, their eggs can be lost to predators, buried in shifting sand, or left unhatched.

Want to make a difference? When we "Share the Shore," we can enjoy the beach while giving plovers the space they need to nest safely. Here’s how:

  • Keep dogs on a leash in plover nesting areas

  • Avoid flying kites near nesting sites

  • Walk around marked nesting areas, not through them

  • Spread the word to family and friends

CA

Hidden in the Sand: How Protecting the Snowy Plover Protects Us Too

Spending the morning on the beach admiring shorebirds is a beautiful way to start the day. I feel so at peace watching them forage along the...
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