Endangered Shore Bird Shows Signs of Revival

The endangered Western snowy plover is apparently making a comeback.

Halfway through the shore bird’s breeding season, state parks officials said they are encouraged by signs that more plover chicks may reach adulthood at the Oceano Dunes this year.

Surveys conducted by ecologists at Oceano Dunes State Vehicular Recreation Area show at least 50 plover chicks were hatched this year and 20 have reached fledgling age--when they are capable of flying.

Last season brought a high number of deaths among fledgling plovers because of predators such as loggerhead shrikes, a species known as the “butcher bird” for the way it impales its prey on its beak. Last year, only two plover chicks reached the fledgling stage.

In 2001, shrikes easily killed off plover fledglings by perching on fence posts of enclosures meant to protect the plover nests. This year, the fencing has been modified according to recommendations by experts at the Point Reyes National Bird Observatory and the California Coastal Commission.