We enjoyed two fabulous hours watching the Snowy Plover from the edge of their protected nesting habitat along the north spit of the Siltcoos River, south of Florence, Oregon. All twenty-one of the plover we observed were found, at low tide, along the wrack line.  Jill and I had the place to ourselves which was great because we're able to sit and photograph the birds without drawing the attention of beach combers or otherwise interfering with the plover's activities.  

The map below illustrates our approximation of the tract that the U.S. Forest Service currently has roped-off to support the plover's reproductive efforts; a territory whose area we estimate to be 15 acres. The picture of the sign below our map warning persons of the penalties levied against those breaching the boundary should be taken at face value, and not trifled with.

If you go, the best viewing time is in the morning before the wind picks up. Ideally that will also be at low tide which provides lots of room to roam about without disturbing the birds hanging out along the wrack line.

Published research indicates that human activity of any kind within 30 meters (100 feet) of plover will be disruptive. We found, however, that the birds would sometimes "alert" to our approach as early as 200 feet. By "alert" we mean the plover would turn they're back to us while (seeming) to decide whether, or not, to flee.  

Snowy Plover:

The pacific coast population of Snowy Plover is federally listed as threatened under the Endangered Species Act of 1973. The Oregon Fish and Wildlife Commission listed the species as threatened in 1975, a status that was reaffirmed under the Oregon Endangered Species Act of 1989. As of June 2012, there were thirteen (Snowy Plover) critical habitat units identified and protected in Oregon.

The goal of the federal recovery plan is to grow the number of adult (breeding) Snowy Plover on the pacific coast of the U.S. from approximately 2,000 individuals today, to a self-sustaining population of 3,000. To reach that goal, Oregon and Washington are tasked with maintaining a population of 250 breeding adults. When you think about this species habitat requirements compared to the combined length of the Oregon & Washington coast lines of 453 miles - it's obvious that the (geographic) reproductive needs of this species is small, but very specific. Facts we hope you keep in mind if you find yourself (by plan or happenstance) approaching one of the protected breeding areas of one of the cutest birds on earth whose average life span is just 2.7 years.

In addition to the plover, we also observed two Whimbrel casually crossing the beach in front of us before they noticed me taking notice of them. A life-bird for us! 

On the drive out of the estuary we took a few minutes and birded along the Siltcoos Lagoon pictured below.

References Cited:

"Federal Register / Vol. 77, No. 118 / Tuesday, June 19, 2012 / Rules and Regulations." (n.d.): n. pag. Web.

"Western Snowy Plover Species Profile." Western Snowy Plover Species Profile. N.p., n.d. Web. 16 Aug. 2014.