Piping Plovers

The piping plover is a small migratory shorebird that returns each spring to nest on the shores of Prince Edward Island. Sand-coloured feathers help the plover blend in with its beach habitat so that it can hide from predators like foxes and crows. Unfortunately, this puts it in danger of another type of enemy-humans.

Loss of habitat, due to the use of beaches by people and their pets, is one of the biggest challenges facing the piping plover. Plovers and their nests are so difficult to see that people can disturb them without even knowing it. If repeatedly frightened and disturbed, adult plovers may abandon their eggs or chicks, decreasing their already low population numbers. The piping plover has been listed as an endangered species by the Committee on the Status of Endangered Wildlife in Canada since 1985.

In 2009, X pairs of Piping Plover nested in Prince Edward Island National Park. Plover monitors begin their observations when the birds arrive around mid-April. They spend the next several months monitoring nesting sites and collecting information that goes toward helping save plovers and their habitat.

Parks & People Association supports the piping plover monitoring program by providing funding for one of Prince Edward Island National Park’s dedicated plover monitors. This is made possible by proceeds from our retail outlets: Cavendish – Nature Store, Green Gables – Butter Churn Cafe, Greenwich Interpretation Centre – Boutique, and Province House - Gift Shop. Donations can also be made to Parks & People Association by phone or cheque.

You can help protect the piping plover as well. By making a donation or visiting our stores, you can support programs like the piping plover monitoring program in the national park. Making sure a piping plover nest remains undisturbed when you visit the beach is also important. Keep dogs off Prince Edward Island National Park beaches between April 1 and October 15, respect closed areas where plovers are nesting, and share the plight of the piping plover with others.

Photos

Click photos to enlarge
Piping plover on nest.
Piping plover on nest.		 The piping plover is an endangered species.
The piping plover is an endangered species.		 Can you spot the piping plover?
Can you spot the piping plover?
Photos provided by Parks Canada