For the first time in 68 years, several pairs of an endangered shorebird have laid eggs in nests built in the sand of three heavily visited beaches in Los Angeles County.
The discovery of western snowy plover nests at Santa Monica, Dockweiler and Malibu Lagoon state beaches within the last two weeks marks the first time these tiny birds have nested in the county since 1949, when they were last seen living in Manhattan Beach, according to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.
…Five months ago, the [Bay] Foundation created a garden-like restoration area on three acres of Santa Monica beach, planting some 40,000 native plant seedlings. About 10,000 sprouted, said Tom Ford, the foundation’s executive director.
…“This is a sign that, against all odds, western snowy plovers are making a comeback and we really need the cooperation of beachgoers to help give them the space they need to nest and raise their young,” he said in a statement…