Snowy Plover Management Area
Cape Meares Beach is home to protected nesting grounds for the Western Snowy Plover. This tiny shorebird is a threatened species under the Endangered Species Act. Plovers nest in dry open sand, in tiny, shallow scrapes that are very well camouflaged. Not only are nests easy to miss (or step on), but the bird will abandon its eggs if repeatedly disturbed by activities it considers a threat—activities we may see as harmless, like walking a dog, throwing a ball and flying a kite. The protected area is a two-mile stretch from the northernmost end of the beach near the jetty and any additional areas depending on the season and bird activity. During its spring and summer nesting season March 15-Sept. 15, certain recreation activities are restricted or prohibited. Visitors need to watch for signs or fences—where plovers are nesting, dogs (even on-leash), bicycles, kites, drones, and fires are prohibited. Pedestrians and equestrians need to stay on wet sand. Western Snowy Plover Recovery Plan website.