Western Snowy Plover. This small bird is listed as a threatened on the endangered species list due to loss of safe breeding habitats. The plover often makes its nest on sandy beaches where beach goers step on the plover's eggs. Rising sea levels from global warming also threaten the plover's habitat. Population estimations are around 2600 on the Pacific coast. The plover's lifespan is about 3 years. A person walking through the plover nesting area on Dockweiler Beach.