Nest Site Selection and Clutch Predation in the Snowy Plover

We studied the relationship between clutch fate and nest site in Snowy Plovers (Charadrius alexandrinus) subject to a high level of clutch predation. Clutches beside objects had lower hatching success than those in the open or beneath objects. Those on sand-gravel substrate were less successful than those on alkali. Plovers nested more frequently on sand-gravel early rather than later in the season. There were between-year differences in clutch placement with respect to substrate type and position related to an object. Predators, air temperature, and bias in our nest-finding abilities are hypothesized as factors influencing the results.