Aquarium staff caring for snowy plover hatchlings

Three snowy plover chicks are in good health after hatching. The chicks are being cared for at the Oregon Coast Aquarium in Newport and will be released after they fledge, in about 28 days. (Photo by Cindy Hanson, Oregon Coast Aquarium)

SOUTH BEACH - Three abandoned Western snowy plover chicks are receiving care at the Oregon Coast Aquarium after their parents were killed by a red fox at Bandon State Natural Area.

The birds, currently listed as threatened under the Oregon Endangered Species Act, were found by snowy plover monitors from Institute for Natural Resources, Portland State University. One had already hatched, one hatched en route to the Aquarium, and the third chick hatched shortly after arriving at the Aquarium. Biologists decided a red fox was the culprit, because it left tracks and the dead parents were found nearby.

The snowy plover is a native shore bird that lives on the beach year-round. Recent counts indicate that about 247 to 253 birds currently survive in Oregon, an increase from a record low of 28 birds in 1992.

For the complete article see the 07-04-2012 issue.

Click here to purchase an electronic version of the 07-04-2012 paper.