Mid-Season Update: Nesting Season in Full Swing at Ormond Beach

Power to the Plover
Jul 3
4 min read

Our biologists share real-time field updates from Ormond Beach, highlighting the nesting progress of snowy plovers and least terns throughout the season.

Published July 3, 2025

	Total # Nests	Hatch	Fail	Active
Snowy Plover	42	16	21*	5
Least Tern	21	0	16	5

*one nest transferred to Santa Barbara Zoo

This year’s nesting season for Western Snowy Plovers and California Least Terns at Ormond Beach is shaping up to be one of both promise and challenges. Thanks to the hard work of our monitoring team and volunteers—and support from community members and partners—we’re keeping a close watch on these vulnerable species as they navigate predators, human disturbance, and the harsh realities of beach nesting life.

Our nest monitoring team in action: Justin Ruby and Cynthia Hartley during a recent survey. Photo by Kristen McKenna

Snowy Plover Nesting Progress

We’re excited to share that several Western Snowy Plover nests have not only hatched successfully but produced fledglings—a significant milestone for this threatened species. Even better, some of our most dedicated photography volunteers have captured stunning images of newly hatched chicks and plover families on the move. These photos do more than inspire—they help us tell the story of these birds and foster deeper public connection to our coastline.

An Ormond snowy plover chick, just days old. Photo by Atma Prakash Sahoo - May 26, 2025

Juvenile snowy plover with scalloped feathers, July 2. Photo by A. Patterson

Of course, it hasn’t all been easy. Predation by skunks and ravens—both species that thrive around human activity—remains the leading cause of nest failure, accounting for an estimated 80% of losses. With a large number of encampments around Ormond Beach, predator presence is increasing.

One of the more heartbreaking moments came when a plover nest outside the protective fencing was raided by humans, with eggs taken directly from the scrape. This highlights the continued need for public awareness and secure fencing to protect vulnerable nests.

Plover Nest #38: Left – the nest when discovered. Right – a week later after eggs were taken.

In another dramatic case, a nest was found established under fallen mesh from vandalized habitat fencing—directly in the path of foot traffic. To prevent the eggs from being crushed, we made the difficult decision to transfer them to the Santa Barbara Zoo for captive rearing in their plover program. As of our last update, the eggs were developing well. If all goes smoothly, the chicks will be raised in a protected setting and released into the wild later this summer.

This nest was laid under part of the habitat fence that was knocked down by trespassers. Photo by Kat Whitehouse

California Least Terns: Persistent Nesters, Despite the Odds

The California Least Terns have struggled to gain traction at Ormond Beach this year—a pattern typical of this smaller colony. Most terns in the area nest next-door across the boundary at the larger Point Mugu colony, and Ormond often sees increased nesting only if failures occur at the base.

On Ormond, terns face the same pressures as plovers: predation, vandalism, and human disturbance. Still, a small but determined group has continued to renest, and our team has been documenting their persistence each week.

While only a few nests remain active, we’re hopeful hatchings are still ahead. In the meantime, staff and volunteers have been thrilled to witness courtship displays and nesting behavior up close—and we’re all rooting for them.

Courtship in action: a fish exchange and copulation between a pair of California Least Terns at Ormond Beach. Photo by A Patterson

Watching Closely: Trail Cameras in Action

To better understand the pressures these birds face, we’ve deployed six trail cameras—four trained directly on nests and two positioned to monitor broader habitat areas. These cameras have helped us identify predator behavior, document unauthorized access, and guide protection strategies, from fence repairs to patrol shifts.

Caught on camera: A skunk passes directly by a plover nest (center frame) without detecting it. While this individual predated several other nests, this nest hatched successfully on June 30.

Managing Human Impacts

Despite signage and protective fencing, we continue to document disturbance from motorcycles, ATVs, and trespassers entering sensitive nesting areas—even during active surveys. In response, we’ve repaired damaged fencing, increased signage, and deployed more cameras. We also engage directly with beachgoers when possible, sharing information and encouraging stewardship.

As we enter the second half of the nesting season, we remain hopeful

The sight of tiny plover chicks growing strong—and the opportunity to document their progress—reminds us why this work matters. With your continued support, we’ll keep working to give these remarkable birds the best possible shot at survival.

Two-week-old plover chick with emerging pin feathers. Photo by Atma Prakash Sahoo

Meet the Shorebird Recovery Team—an inspiring group of staff and volunteers dedicated to protecting plovers and terns at Ormond Beach. We work hard in the field and have fun together too! If you’re passionate about wildlife and community, we’d love to have you join us.