Beach Gathering to Learn about Snowy Plover and Least Tern from Local Biologists

Punta Banda locals gathered on the beach April 16, 2024, to learn about the endangered birds that nest on our beaches. Two local Mexican biologists specializing in the endangered birds of the area, Hiram Moreno and Liliana Ortiz Serrato, came to tell us all about the snowy plover and least tern, two species that are particularly vulnerable due to the fact that they lay their eggs in small depressions on the beach. Liliana and Hiram did a wonderful job explaining the importance of the birds’ habitat and efforts to protect it.

Humans, vehicles, and dogs pose serious threats to these nesting birds. Not only are eggs crushed by intruders, but the parents are also easily spooked and will abandon their nests if faced with too much disturbance. The group also learned about efforts by John Kinabrew, a member of La Alianza, to safeguard snowy plover nests located close to homes on the spit. Typically, snowy plovers choose to nest at the far end of the spit, where they face fewer dangers. However, a few will occasionally opt to nest in areas nearer to human activity, which can place them in peril. John has found two nests in the Baja Cove vicinity this spring.

At this event, everyone observed one of these two snowy plover nest sites, which had unfortunately been abandoned by the snowy plovers, likely before John’s discovery. Although we were saddened by the two abandoned eggs, we were given the opportunity to view them up close, as well as the wire cage that is often used to protect snowy plover nests and other endangered plover nests in Mexico and the United States.

HOW YOU CAN HELP: As you can see in the photo above, these eggs are very difficult to see. Please be careful when walking on the beach, refrain from using motor vehicles on the beach, keep your dogs on leashes, and if you see any eggs, please contact John Kinabrew: johnkinabrew@yahoo.com

Liliana Ortiz Serrato with data sheet for recording snowy plover nest data. In the background with the white shirt is Hiram Moreno. Liliana and Hiram are local biologists with a wealth of information on our local ecology, with a special focus on bird life.