The Oregon Parks and Recreation Department and Siuslaw National Forest remind visitors that it is plover nesting season on the Oregon coast March 15 to Sept. 15, visitors can help recovery efforts for the threatened western snowy plover by observing recreation restrictions in designated plover areas

Eugene, OR – According to the state officials, sensitive plover nesting areas will be roped off or identified by signs with rules and limits, such as staying on the wet sand, to help protect the small shorebirds and their exposed nests during this crucial period.

Recreation restrictions occur in designated plover management areas: stretches of beach along the coastline where plovers nest or might nest.

These areas combined make up about 40 miles of Oregon’s 362 miles of shoreline.

Seasonal recreation restrictions have helped protect these small birds that nest on open sand.

Nests, and especially chicks, are well-camouflaged.

During the nesting season, human disturbances can flush adult plovers away from their nests as they attempt to defend their young.

Left alone too long, or too often, eggs or chicks can die from exposure, predators or people.