PHOTO: ALECIA SMITH
SHOREBIRD RECOVERY PROGRAM
PROGRAM OVERVIEW
The Shorebird Recovery program aims to safeguard the federally listed Western Snowy Plover and California Least Tern, both nesting on Ventura County beaches. Focused primarily on Ormond Beach, the program conducts scientific nest monitoring and habitat protection efforts, while also engaging in county-wide education and outreach initiatives to foster public awareness and stewardship of beach wildlife.
Through volunteer opportunities and inspirational outreach, the program encourages individuals to become advocates for the preservation of our coastal ecosystems.
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The California Least Tern (CLT), the smallest of the North American terns, arrive in April and nest in colonies on beaches near lagoons, estuaries, or harbors. They nest on barren or sparsely vegetated open beaches. After nesting season, they fly away to winter somewhere off the coast of Brazil. Scientists are still sorting out their migratory movements.
CALIFORNIA LEAST TERN
WESTERN SNOWY PLOVER
The Western Snowy Plover (WSP) uses Ventura County beaches year-round. In the winter they gather in loose flocks above the tide line to molt and recover from nesting season. From March - Sept, they spread out into territories, and establish nests in the dunes and raise their young. They may produce several nests throughout the long season.
Both species place their nests right on the sand in a shallow depression called a scrape. Their cryptically colored eggs blend in with the sand to avoid being seen by predators, hence they are very difficult for people to see. Chicks hatch covered in downy feathers and are flightless for several weeks, relying on their parents for protection and warmth. Soon after the chicks hatch, they leave the nest and began to search the beach for food.
