Nest site selection and clutch predation in the snowy plover.

Abstract

Charadrius alexandrinus 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 nest-finding abilities are factors possibly influencing results. -from Authors