The Magic Of The Snowy Plover


Is Sanibel loved purely for its amenities? Do thousands of visitors flock to Captiva for bright lights and loud music, to feel the rush of an electrified metropolis? Simply put, it is not; and they do not. The international draw of the Sanibel Captiva area, its personality, its very essence is tied to its natural ambiance; where plants and animals are just as integral to one’s experience as the sun and tides. If a visitor were asked to relay an account of the sights and sounds of the shoreline, chances are that account includes an Osprey, Sandpiper, or Snowy Plover amidst the shell collectors and Schnapper’s Hots. Imagine, for a moment, that Sanibel and Captiva shorebirds were disappearing, and that future generations may share no such familiarity with the islands as we know it. Unfortunately, this may be the case, as environmental disturbances and habitat loss endanger our shorebird populations.


Personality


The Snowy Plover, a treasure of the islands is a common sight along the beaches of Sanibel and Captiva. Small and fluffy, the creature seems like someone had imbued life to a PEEP marshmallow candy before painting it greyish white and setting it loose amongst the dunes. Like a wind-up toy, the Snowy Plover hops, and skitters around the water’s edge. A race to snatch tiny morsels of invertebrate sustenance with its short black beak before the waves cover it back up. Independent analysis has suggested that the Snowy Plover may be the cutest bird in the United States. To try to confirm this, we reached out to a local nesting pair, who declined to comment on the subject. Completely nonaggressive, and generally good-natured, the Snowy Plover exudes its chipper attitude for all to see and asks for nothing in return except its space.

Snowy Plover Juvenile
Snowy Plover With Offspring

The Plight Of The Snowy Plover


When approached by just about anything, the tiny birds will flee as quickly as their little legs will take them. This strategy has worked out well for the Snowy Plover, protecting it from danger long enough to return to its nest and care for its young. However, with the advent of tourism on the island, the Snowy Plover’s habitat is now visited by thousands of unknowingly intimidating individuals. By crossing paths with so many people, the Snowy Plover experiences difficulty returning to its nest, having shorter periods of foraging. This causes issues getting food to its young, thus hampering the ability of the species to maintain populations.  More directly damaging than the disturbance of human activity is the issue of canines. Pet dogs have been known to chase adult and juvenile Snowy Plovers, as well as disturb nesting areas. Being mindful of their territory is important when visiting the islands.


Conservation


If you would like to contribute more substantially towards the posterity and wellbeing of the native landscape which has so graciously provided our islands with an ambiance worthy of many millions of dollars worth of tourism infrastructure, then consider donating your time or money to the following causes;

Donation Links:

  1. Sanibel-Captiva Conservation Foundation
  2. Clinic for the Rehabilitation of Wildlife
  3. Sanibel-Captiva Audubon Society
  4. “Ding” Darling Wildlife Society

Volunteer/Other Links:

  1. Sanibel-Captiva Conservation Foundation
  2. Clinic for the Rehabilitation of Wildlife
  3. “Ding” Darling Wildlife Society

Written by Robert Hamlin for The SanCap Guide