What's up with Piping Plovers?

Recently ​there have been some ruffled feathers over the protection of nesting piping plovers as beach goers, dog walkers, and others visiting some of the remotest parts of the ​Cape Cod National Seashore have face a big 'STOP' sign​ this year.

Why do people get upset about plover nesting patterns?

15 August 2024 - CAPE COD, MA - Lyra Brennan leads the Coastal Waterbird Program for Mass Audubon on Cape Cod, where she focuses on the conservation of endangered species like the piping plover. The plover is a small shorebird that builds its nest and lays its eggs on Cape Cod beaches.

The plover conservation efforts have sparked some controversy - particularly around the restrictions that limit beach access for dog walkers and vehicles during nesting season. Brennan says these measures are necessary to create a safe environment for piping plovers to nest because the birds require close proximity to the water for their nesting activities -- but it pits birds vs human recreation.

Why are piping plovers changing their patterns?

Like other shorebirds, plovers are particularly vulnerable due to habitat loss caused by coastal overwash and erosion - and that has cause some changes in the timing and location of their nesting cycle. Brennan’s work is crucial in protecting these birds and their diminishing nesting grounds, as climate change and rising water levels changes their habitat. 

What is overwash?

The past few years have seen an increase in a coastal action called overwash. Overwash happens when big tides come and wash out the bird's nests and eggs. This endangers the breeding season and extends the time that nesting areas are closed to humans; the birds literally must build their nests all over again and re-lay a clutch of eggs. This not only stresses the birds, but also pushes the baby birds fledging date much later in the season. 

What is special about piping plovers?

Piping plovers take an active role in parenting. Like humans do, they protect their offspring from danger. One protective behavior involves pretending to be injured, luring predators away from their chicks. A parent will also gather all its chicks within its tiny body, hiding them and leaving only their tiny legs and feet visible under the parental feathers.

These clever strategies highlight the birds' resilience and the importance of preserving their habitats to ensure their survival. Brennan says that humans and bird can co-exist and find ways to share the beaches. The more data projects like hers collect, the more conservation planning can create accurate and reasonable measures that balance limiting beach access during nesting time with human recreational demands.