Bill and tweeters

Two plover nests were found at Damon Point (includes Oyhut Spit) in 1998,
but only one was known to have hatched. A single chick fledged (based on a
28-day "fledging" period). The high count of adults during 30+ surveys
between April and August was 4. Not good.

The road breached in early December. State Parks contracted with Dept of
Ecology to find out why and to make recommendations on repairing the road.
The Damon Point road was to have been paved -- asphalt -- if this breach
hadn't occurred. Now we wonder: Will any road hold? Honestly, no one knows.

Snowy plover habitat at the point has changed dramatically and repeatedly in
my brief experience and its wanderings go back forever. It's future, from a
human-use perspective, is being decided now.

Would birders rather drive the point or walk it?
What else ought to be done?

Scott Richardson
richasar at dfw.wa.gov
salix at halcyon.com


>Today, my family all saw a Snowy Plover on the beach on the inlet side
>of Damon Point. With the road out onto the point now washed out, you
>must park in a limited area shortly after turning into the state park
>near the marina. The Snowy Plover was essentially behind the far end of
>the nesting-area signs if heading out along the beach towards the point.
>The road closure may reduce disturbance and help the species nest there
>this year. As far as we know, it didn't nest there last year, although
>1-2 prs. tried to set up territories then around this time. If you
>visit and see other people behaving irresponsibly (esp. with loose
>dogs), speak up!


Thanks, Bill !