Snowy plover nesting season begins in Monterey Bay

MONTEREY BAY, Calif. (KION-TV) -- As Snowy Plover season begins in Monterey Bay, visitors are asked to protect the birds along California State Beaches.

The shorebirds' breeding season begins this month and lasts until September 30. The birds build their nests and lay eggs on Monterey Bay beaches.

California State Parks released guidelines to protect the "threatened" species under the Federal Endangered Species Act.

Those guidelines include:

• No approaching any birds or nests
• Leaving pets at home
• Using designated trails
• Staying out of fenced or posted closure areas
• Throwing away trash
• Not feeding any wildlife
• Leaving kelp and driftwood alone

Environmental scientists with State Parks will install fencing around protected areas where the snowy plovers are breeding.