Enjoy a talk about Western snowy plovers at Elkhorn Slough Reserve at 10am; then head to Moss Landing SB at 11:15 to spot "snowies" in the wild.
Right now on our local beaches male snowy plovers are guarding tiny hatchlings, distracting predators to protect their flightless chicks. Even regular beachgoers may never notice these birds, but daily their miniature dramas unfold just above the tideline.
Elkhorn Slough is home to one of the Central Coast's most robust populations of Western snowy plovers, a federally threatened species. Come learn more about these fascinating creatures and get the hang of spotting them in the field. Biologists will be on hand with scopes for a window into the secret lives of "snowies".
Kriss Neuman is a wildlife biologist for Point Blue Conservation Science. She promotes the recovery of the federally threatened Western snowy plover by monitoring nesting biology, tracking populations, and improving management of this incredible species.
*Lecture at 10 am at Elkhorn Slough Reserve (1700 Elkhorn Road, Watsonville). Biologists on hand at Moss Landing State Beach 11:15 am to noon
To save your spot register at
https://www.elkhornslough.org/calendar. $5 suggested donation. Rain or shine. Please dress appropriately for the outdoors. Snacks will be provided.