Snowy Plover in seashellsSnowy Plover in seashells – Nikon D200, handheld, f6.3, 1/800, ISO 200, Nikkor 80-400mm VR at 400mm, natural light

A while back I did a post on the Least Sandpiper which is the world’s smallest sandpiper so I thought I would do a post about North America’s smallest plover, the Snowy Plover. As adults these plovers are about 7.25 inches in length and weigh approximately 1.4 ounces or close to the weight of 7 U.S. quarters. They are very pale and blend in very well in the light sandy habitat they prefer.

I didn’t really sand crawl to get this low angle image, it was more like a “seashell slither” which is a bit uncomfortable. Okay, more than a bit but I have a high pain tolerance level.

Snowy Plover in early morning lightSnowy Plover in early morning light – Nikon D200, handheld, f6.3, 1/1250, ISO 250, Nikkor 80-400mm VR at 400mm, natural light

I found it amazing to lay still and watch these small plovers as they foraged, preened, yawned, walked and rested through my view finder because they seem so tiny and delicate.

Unfortunately Snowy Plover populations are declining due to human disturbance and habitat destruction. I feel like I write those words often (far too often) about so many different bird species. Didn’t I write that yesterday about the Greater Sage-Grouse?

Mia