Snowy plover roost, Coal Oil Point, Goleta, California. Photo courtesy, Morgan Ball.

We entered mid-March with very few rainy days to indicate the winter season had ended. Though few, the storms that did pass through, had a significant impact on the wildlife and habitats at Coal Oil Point Reserve (COPR), as well as our local population of Western Snowy Plovers. The effects could be seen in the changes to the beach dimensions, slough direction, topography of the sand dunes, and debris along the shore. The roost location for the Western Snowy Plovers changed accordingly.

Throughout the winter, participants in the Snowy Plover Docent Program stayed very busy. The physical transformation of the beach often resulted in confusion for beach goers and therefore a dire need for more Plover Docent coverage. It was an exciting, but nerve-wracking season. For the first time at COPR, volunteers watched over plovers for a full winter. Their dedication enabled a productive wintering season for the plovers that meant maximum resting and feeding with minimal disturbance. When comparing Fall 2000 (when no efforts were made for protection) with Fall 2001 (the erection of the fence and the docent coverage on the beach), the disturbance rates on plovers decreased by 90%.

In August 2001, the Snowy Plover Docent program began with eight docents and has grown to 25. We acted as educational resources for beach users while ensuring the Reserve rules were respected. Docents were physically available to help people identify the plovers and teach them their biology and natural history. They explained the dynamics of the beach and slough and clarified anything regarding the fences, signs, leash law, and trail closure. We were the links for public understanding; influencing people to voluntarily comply with rules and changes, while offering the maximum protection possible for the plovers.

Besides losing occasional signage and fencing to high tides and stormy weather, the confusion and chaos most often resulted from the sand berm being breached. The slough remained open to the ocean most of the winter season, disrupting the usual passage along the ocean's edge. The majority of beach goers were pleasant and cooperative, and often thanked us for our time and efforts.

We offered a total of four docent trainings, which greatly contributed to the growth and success of the program. Local support and cooperation was an obvious indication of the impact which we were making, but one of our largest victories was a ruling November 17th, 2001, by the California Coastal Commission. They voted in favor of three measures that were just as crucial for effective recovery:

1. The continuation of the exclosure with roped boundaries
2. The closure of the Delta trail - a Reserve trail, which was used infrequently and emptied into the plover roost
3. The continued placement of signs on the beach.

Not only did the commissioners fully support our management plan and Docent Program, they praised and commended us, encouraging that our program serve as an example for other sites where the coexistence of plovers and humans deems necessary. Without the approval of the three measures it would have been nearly impossible for a Snowy Plover Docent to be an effective ambassador on the beach.

Soon after the New Year, 2002, two signs were posted at each side of the exclosure. The Delta trail was officially closed January 31, 2002 and re-vegetation began with native species. A fence, erected to keep people from using the former Delta trail, was funded by a grant from the Shoreline Preservation Fund, a UCSB foundation that also awarded funding for the Docent Program.

The events listed above have enabled the SPDP to evolve into a strong, stable, organization. We've got a diverse, fun group of good people, which I feel fortunate to have had the opportunity to work with. Our training scheduled for Saturday, April 6, 2002, will welcome an even larger group.

Spring and the beginning of summer will be slightly unfamiliar ground for the Docent Program. It's the first breeding season for the SPDP since the successful fledge of the plover chick last June. During the next months, we expect the number of plovers at Sand's to nearly diminish; they are currently decreasing about 5 - 10 individuals/day, in order to relocate to popular breeding sites and find mates. When you venture out to Sand's, don't be discouraged by the low numbers of plovers. Pay close attention to the few that do remain year round. Notice the change in plumage, watch for breeding behavior, or just simply observe. There's a chance Fred (last year's chick) might continue the saga. . .

As the twilight clings tighter and the weather becomes dryer and hotter, recreation will increase at Sand's beach. For the overall recovery of the coastal population of the Western Snowy Plover, protection and education throughout the upcoming months at COPR are just as important as they are during the wintering months. New students and residents of Goleta, Isla Vista, and Santa Barbara will have the unique opportunity to share a sensitive habitat, while becoming conscious of the potential part they play in EITHER their decline or their recovery. If you are ever out there, respect the roost exclosure, read the signs, keep dogs leashed, and don't leave any trash behind. You can count on recognizing a friendly face, wearing a Snowy Plover Docent T-shirt, set up with a sign and spotting scope to offer an up-close peak at these cute balls of fluff. Come August and September, wintering plover numbers will increase again, and we'll be ready to start another year with some experience behind us and a cooperative, conscious community surrounding us.

Snowy Plover Docent Program

Website information contacts:
Chapter office address:
5679 Hollister Ave., Suite 5b
Goleta, CA 93117
805-964-1468
Chapter email: audubon@rain.org
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Technical Specialties
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Updated: May 24, 2006