Snowy Plover Reflective Takeoff
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Snowy Plover Reflective Takeoff

Snowy Plover · Santa Barbara/Goleta

Snowy Plovers are bathing and drying their plumage in the tidal overflow in Santa Barbara south county. The Anarhynchus nivosus is a federally listed threatened coastal species since 4/5/1993. Human and environmental factors have contributed to the snowy plover's challenges as they nest out in the open on flat sandy beaches where humans and their dogs like to visit. Heavy coastal development and the spread of non-native beach grasses have drastically reduced suitable nesting space. Crows, ravens, raccoons and foxes also threaten vulnerable nesting sites. UCSB works very hard trying to educate and create a buffer zone so the birds have a fighting chance! Photos of hatchlings and nestlings are coming soon.