Snowy Plover Saunter: Guided Walk to Seabright Coastal Dune Habitat

Seabright Beach is a special and unique coastal dune habitat. Participants will embark on a ¾-mile beach walk from the Museum towards the harbor jetty and back. The group will pause to observe– from a distance– the Western Snowy Plover roosting areas and learn about the coastal dune habitat they rely on during the winter. Along the way, leaders will share a brief introduction to the native dune vegetation, snowy plover habitat, life cycle, interesting shorebird facts, and their ecological significance within the Monterey Bay. 

• Snowy Plover and Shorebird Identification

• The Annual Cycle (Wintering vs Nesting seasons ):
  • Wintering Season (September to March): Plover flocks rely heavily on winter rest at Seabright Beach to rebuild energy reserves so they can successfully nest in the spring. Learn about the plover habitat preferences on the east end.
  • Nesting Season (March to September): discuss Snowy Plover nesting attempts and limitations at Seabright Beach.
• Significance in Monterey Bay: Understand how plovers forage on intertidal invertebrates (like sand hoppers and flies) and help balance local insect populations.
• Human Impact & Disturbances: Learn how summer-to-winter overlap and disturbances (such as human foot traffic, kites, and dogs) reduce population success by flushing birds and leaving eggs or chicks vulnerable to predators (trash, corvids and gulls)
• Guardianship & Volunteering: Discover ways to get involved and volunteer with California State Parks and local organizations for plover protection.
• Habitat degradation and Dune Restoration efforts, Groundswell Ecology, Monterey Bay Living Shoreline Program, nature-based solution projects in the Monterey Bay

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About the Speakers:

Will Duncan: Forestry Technician with California State Parks’ Santa Cruz District and the District’s lead Western Snowy Plover Biologist. 

Maggie Leal: Environmental Scientist who assists with wildlife management for California State Parks’ Santa Cruz District. Maggie conducts surveys, monitors, and ensures plover populations are conserved through habitat enhancement projects that promote ecological resilience.

Snowy Plover Guardians:  Song Nelson, Gwynn Benner and Sarah Coty are dedicated California State Parks volunteers. 

Dr. Bill Henry of Groundswell Ecology: is founding director of Groundswell Coastal Ecology and co-leads the Monterey Bay Living Shoreline Program.

Accessibility and Logistics

• Footwear: Sturdy, comfortable beach shoes for walking on dry sand.
• Sun Protection: Sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat.
• Gear: Drinking water and binoculars (highly recommended for viewing the plovers!).
• Heavy Rain cancels, proceed if lightly raining