March 15, 2022 3:00 a.m.

Beachgoers are urged to help recovery efforts of the threatened western snowy plover by staying on wet sand at snowy plover beaches during nesting season through September 15th.

A release from the Oregon Parks and Recreation Department said those at the beach will see ropes that identify sensitive plover nesting areas, as well as signs that identify restrictions to protect the small shorebirds during this period.

The release said plover beaches remain open to foot and equestrian traffic on wet, packed sand throughout the nesting season. All other recreation on plover beaches is off limits on both wet and dry sand. That includes walking dogs, driving a vehicle, riding bicycle, camping, burning wood or other materials and flying kites and drones.

OPRD said the small bids nest on open sand along Oregon’s beaches. 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.

Detailed maps regarding plover locations are linked: https://www.oregon.gov/oprd/pcb/pages/pcb-plovers.aspx?utm_source=OPRD&utm_medium=egov_redirect&utm_campaign=www.oregon.gov%2Fplovers