The western snowy plover is a federally threatened and state endangered shorebird in Washington State. Only about 100 birds are thought to be in the state and only in Grays Harbor and Pacific Counties, where they nest directly on the beach sand.
On the beach sand, the easily camouflaged plover eggs and nestlings are susceptible to being crushed by humans and vehicles and are defenseless against dogs and predators. Additionally, humans and predators in their sand dune habitat may scare away parent birds, leaving chicks open to predation.
Each nesting season, the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service and our partners at the Washington Department of Fish & Wildlife and Washington State Parks place closure signs in certain areas to protect the nests of these rare birds.
If you see these signs, please:
- Stay out of the closure area
- Keep dogs out of the closure area, and on-leash when in the vicinity if possible
- Carry out all food, trash, and litter, as to avoid attracting predators of the plovers
