Endangered Western Snowy Plovers

West side of Santa Barbara

December 2023

“The stretch of beach between Isla Vista and Ellwood (including Sands Beach) was designated “Critical Habitat” in December of 1999; at the time of the critical habitat designation, the population in the entire Pacific Coast of the United States was estimated at less than 1,500 individuals.  Coal Oil Point Reserve (COPR), with its sandy beach, sand dunes, and adjacent estuary mouth, is one of a few choice west coast locations where Snowy Plovers can still breed and thrive. “

“Over 200 Western Snowy Plovers (includes Pacific and inland populations) feed and rest on Sands Beach, at Coal Oil Point Reserve, each winter.  This is the largest winter aggregation in the U.S.  Sands Beach is a very important place for Snowy Plovers because it provides high quality habitat for these birds.  Kelp from the rich forests in the ocean continuously washes ashore, creating wrack, which becomes food and shelter for many small invertebrates.  Beach hoppers, kelp flies, and other insects depend on the availability of kelp wrack on the beach.  Plovers and other shorebirds depend on the invertebrates for food. ” quoted from: Snowy Plover Conservation

The challenge is simple- will human activity lead to the loss of Snowy Plovers?