Elena Oey
Coastal Program Biologist I
As a Coastal Program Biologist based in Lompoc, I work with two beach-nesting bird species: the California Least Tern and Western Snowy Plover. Alongside a wonderful team, much of my time is spent navigating the vast dunes of Vandenberg Space Force Base while searching for nests and banding chicks. I have a particular interest in plover movement, so recording band combinations and seeing birds from different sites is always exciting.
After graduating from Humboldt State University with a degree in wildlife biology, I joined a team in San Diego that manages plovers and terns on two military installments. I worked there for five years, eventually leading a site, before departing to join Point Blue here in Lompoc in early 2024. The sheer size of Vandenberg’s beaches were definitely intimidating at first, but I have quickly come to love how come to love how rugged and wild this area is.
When I’m not wrangling birds, I enjoy escaping civilization and searching for rare native plants, insects, and herptiles. Nothing is better than a nice long hike! I am also passionate about tidepooling, where I look for nudibranchs and other tiny sea creatures. If I’m not outdoors, you can find me hanging out with a good book, or bouncing between Danish bakeries in the adorable town of Solvang. The quiet central coast has been a nice change of pace, and it has been so fun exploring this part of California.