Snowy Plover Docent program starts for 2022

On May 21, Matt Lau hosted a training day for the new and returning Snowy Plover docents at the Red Barn in Bear Valley. The turnout was impressive! Matt covered the basics and was joined by several guest speakers. Carlo Arrego from the park service talked about what it means to represent the park service to visitors as a volunteer, and Sarah Allen gave an informative lecture on marine mammals in Point Reyes and their relationship to snowy plovers.

The volunteer program runs from end of May to early September on weekends and holidays. Docents educate visitors about snowy plovers. A typical shift begins at 10am and ends at 4pm. Volunteers work in groups and take turns at the exhibit table and roaming on the beach/trail to engage with visitors.

Matt created a Western Snowy Plover brochure about plovers and tips on what you can do to protect them.

What you can do to protect Snowy Plovers

  • Respect posted habitat areas (don’t walk on the beach where it’s closed or approach nests)

  • Stay at least 50 feet away from the birds and nests (if birds get scared off the nest, it can signal the location of the nest to predator birds such as ravens)

  • Walk dogs only where authorized and always on leash

  • Properly dispose of garbage to avoid attracting predators (Ravens are the biggest threats to plovers in Point Reyes)

  • Leave driftwood lying on the sand. It provides nesting and feeding habitat for plovers. Upright wood provides perches for predatory birds to hunt plovers.

  • Report unprotected nests (if you see an indentation in the sand with eggs that doesn’t have a wire exclosure, let Matt Lau know. Nests are well camouflaged and very difficult to spot, so congratulations if you do spot one!)

  • Walk near the water line on the beach (avoid the wrack line filled with seaweed and driftwood which is where the plovers nest and feed on insects)

  • Share knowledge with others

  • Volunteer to restore plover habitat

  • Become a snowy plover docent!

Matt reported 14 nests have already been identified this season so this year is off to a good start.

photo of Western Snowy Plover chicks by Matt Lau, National Park Service

lena zentallSnowy Plover, Volunteer