Snowy Plover Volunteer Training Workshop

The Half Moon Bay State Beach Plover Watch program needs volunteers to help protect the small shorebirds and point them out to visitors. Western snowy plovers are listed as threatened under the endangered species act.Volunteers search for plover nests, which typically consist of sand-colored eggs laid in a depression on the beach. They then help build a wire enclosure around the nest to ward off predators, like ravens and gulls. The eggs hatch about four weeks later, and the chicks are cared for by their father for about a month before they can fly. Volunteers spend at least four hours per month monitoring the beach and helping with projects. They also help count the number of nests on beaches throughout the county, monitor the birds' migration and nesting patterns and receive ongoing training.The workshop is 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. To register or receive more information contact Ranger Nelle Lyons or Paul Langan at 650-726-8804 or hmbplovers@hotmail.com.Source: Half Moon Bay State Beach