From 2008 to 2014, SFBBO conducted a pilot study investigating the effects of oyster shell habitat enhancement on Snowy Plover nesting success. One hectare test plots were distributed on salt pond bottoms in Eden Landing Ecological Reserve (Eden Landing), Hayward, California. Data from this pilot study indicated that oyster shells may provide beneficial cover for nesting Snowy Plovers and suggest further breeding benefits on a larger scale. In October 2014 and through funding from Ducks Unlimited, two large oyster shell enhancement plots were distributed in pond E14, Eden Landing; non-shelled areas acted as controls. During the 2015 breeding season, SFBBO monitored Snowy Plover adults, nests, chicks, predatory species and activity, and biotic and abiotic soil characteristics of all areas within E14.
Date
2016-02-01
Keywords