Snowy Plover Newborn Chicks

The photos in this gallery are from three different nests. The first group shows the most recent hatching event and captures the moment when the chick first opens the egg. Approximate age of the chicks is indicated by time on the white slides. The Snowy Plover is an endangered shore bird that’s about the size of a sparrow. While there are only a few nesting pairs on Sanibel Island, this island has the only significant breeding Snowy Plover population in southwest Florida. The nest, a depression in the sand, typically holds three eggs. Their excellent camouflage has put them in danger from people who don’t see them on the beach and may step on the nest. Hopefully the efforts of local conservation organizations will help the Snowy Plover population grow.
Try using the Slideshow button at right to see the images full screen.