Adorable Chicks Being Born on Oregon Coast Means Some Beach Restrictions

Published 03/15/26 at 6:55 p.m.
By Oregon Coast Beach Connection Staff

(Port Orford, Oregon) – Chicks. The word evokes the image of men in the '70s and '80s discussing what they hope to find in bars. No, not hot chicks we're talking about here. It's the cute, adorable, fuzzy kind that are newborns and need protecting from Mankind itself. (Photo OPRD)

The Oregon Parks and Recreation Department (OPRD) and the Siuslaw National Forest (SNF) are reminding visitors that western snowy plover nesting season begins March 15 and continues through Sept. 15 along the Oregon coast. Officials say beachgoers can support recovery efforts for the threatened shorebird by following recreation restrictions in designated plover management areas.

Sensitive nesting zones are marked on maps for both the northern and southern Oregon coast.

Seasonal restrictions have played a key role in protecting and rebuilding plover populations on Oregon beaches. Nests and chicks are well-hidden, and human activity can flush adults from their nests as they attempt to defend their young. Prolonged or repeated disturbances can leave eggs or chicks vulnerable to exposure and predators. Habitat loss from invasive plants and human impacts - including litter and food scraps that attract predators - also contributes to the species’ decline.

Photo OPRD

Restrictions apply only within designated plover management areas where plovers nest or may nest. Altogether, these areas cover about 40 miles of Oregon’s 362-mile coastline. maps for the northern Oregon Coast and southern Oregon Coast

From March 15 through Sept. 15, several activities are prohibited on designated plover beaches.

“Restrictions in plover management areas prohibit dogs, vehicles, bicycles and e-bikes, camping, wood fires, kites, and drones,” OPRD said. “Foot and equestrian traffic are allowed only on wet, hard-packed sand below the high-tide line. Visitors are asked to respect all posted signs and barriers. “

These include portions of Horsfall Beach near Coos Bay, Sparrow Park and Umpqua Lighthouse State Park near Reedsport, a sizable section between Port Orford and just south of Bandon, and the Florence Jetty Access at the north end, as well as some small areas of the north Oregon coast.

Photo SNF

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service listed the western snowy plover as a threatened species in 1993, when only 45 breeding adults were counted in Oregon. Thanks to ongoing conservation efforts, the population has steadily increased, with 546 birds recorded during the 2025 breeding season survey.

“We appreciate visitors’ support in keeping these shorebirds safe. We invite visitors to enjoy permitted recreation in sensitive areas or to recreate without seasonal restrictions on beaches not designated as plover nesting areas,” said Laurel Hillmann, ocean shore specialist for the Oregon Parks and Recreation Department.

More information, including detailed nesting-site maps, is available on the Oregon State Parks website and the Siuslaw National Forest website.

Visitors to the Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area can also review Off-highway Vehicle maps to identify unrestricted riding areas and learn more about motor-vehicle rules on sand at fs.usda.gov/r06/siuslaw/recreation/rules-and-guidelines.

Plover activity has also increased near Sand Lake Recreation Area near Pacific City, where nesting may occur at new or historical sites. Visitors may see small roped-off areas near the lake’s inlet protecting active nests and may encounter plovers on the beach. Beachgoers are encouraged to stay on wet sand, avoid fenced nesting zones, pack out all trash, and keep dogs leashed. Paragliders are asked to steer toward the northern portion of the recreation area to avoid gliding or landing near nests on the southern edge of the Sand Lake spit..

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