Document Type

Technical Report

Publication Date

12-2014

Subjects

Snowy plover -- Oregon -- Pacific Coast -- Geographical distribution, Snowy plover -- Oregon -- Pacific Coast -- Reproduction, Snowy plover -- Mortality -- Oregon -- Pacific Coast

Abstract

We monitored the distribution, abundance and productivity of the federally threatened Western Snowy Plover (Charadrius nivosus nivosus) along the Oregon coast from 1 April – 15 September 2014. From north to south, we surveyed and monitored plover activity at Sutton Beach, Siltcoos River estuary, the Dunes Overlook, North and South Tahkenitch Creek, Tenmile Creek, Coos Bay North Spit, Bandon Snowy Plover Management Area, New River HRA and adjacent lands, and Floras Lake. Our objectives in 2014 were to: 1) estimate the size of the adult Snowy Plover population along the Oregon coast, 2) locate plover nests, 3) determine nest success, 4) use mini-exclosures (MEs) to protect nests from predators as needed, 5) determine fledging success, 6) monitor brood movements, and 7) collect general observational data about predators.

We observed an estimated 338 adult Snowy Plovers; a minimum of 280 individuals were known to have nested. The adult plover population was the highest estimate recorded since monitoring began in 1990. We monitored 346 nests in 2014. Overall apparent nest success was 60%. Nest failures were attributed to unknown depredation, unknown cause, mammalian depredation, abandonment, wind/weather, one-egg nests, avian depredation, overwashed, infertility, and corvid depredation. We monitored 221 broods, including 12 from unknown nests, and documented a minimum of 272 fledglings. Overall brood success was 77%, fledging success was 48%, and 1.68 fledglings per male were produced.

Description

Part of the Oregon Bidiversity Information Center Report

Persistent Identifier

http://archives.pdx.edu/ds/psu/15740

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