Piping Plovers are an endangered species, protected under the Federal Species at Risk Act, and the Nova Scotia Endangered Species Act. Since 1991 the number of breeding pairs returning to Nova Scotia's beaches has declined by 25 per cent.
Christine Curry, an Outreach Coordinator with Bird Studies Canada’s Nova Scotia Piping Plover Conservation Program, says recovery efforts are resulting in increased numbers in other parts of the province, but here in SW Nova, the story is not the same.
“There are only about 40 nesting pairs in the whole of N.S., with more than half on our SW beaches,” said Curry.
“Last year there were 20 successful nests on our southern beaches, and 57 fledglings. In the province as a whole, numbers have declined about 25 per cent since 1991, but nearly 50 per cent in southern NS.”
The sand-coloured birds have a black band across the forehead from eye to eye, and a black ring around the neck. They winter along the southeast United States coastline, in Cuba and the Caribbean and typically begin to show up here in mid-April (sometimes earlier). The first was seen on Cape Sable Island just before Easter weekend.
Nesting takes place between May and July. The birds breed and forage on open sand, eating little marine invertebrates, sand fleas and plant seeds. They generally travel no further west than Cape Sable Island.
Observers believe that the SW Nova population is an isolated breeding group. Because of major predator problems, habitat loss and degradation with fewer beaches available for nesting (development, natural changes to beaches from storm action, etc.), the birds are very vulnerable.
Curry estimates at least 20 volunteers in this region help monitor beaches in their communities by watching for and reporting arriving birds, nesting activity, and encouraging beach users to respect DNR regulations with regard to leashed pets and vehicles on the beach, etc.
“We really rely on this wonderful group to not only help with protection but also to contribute to education,” said Curry.
Last summer two students worked full time in SW Nova monitoring the birds, collecting data about weather, other birds or animals on beaches, and the number of people, as well as putting up signs and rope around nesting areas, setting up nest protection where necessary, helping with outreach and education by engaging with beach users and beach property owners, and going to special events (such as Founders Days in Shelburne).
People can help Piping Plovers rebound by paying attention to the DNR signs that are up on nesting beaches. Especially important is staying on wet sand during the breeding season, keeping dogs leashed, and keeping vehicles and bikes off beaches. Staying well away from designated nesting areas will ensure birds aren’t disturbed. Before nesting areas are identified, birds will let trespassers know if they are getting too close by their agitated behaviour.
There is a DNR hotline for reporting violations: 1-800-565-2224 (especially any nest disturbance or vehicles on beaches). If anyone is interested in becoming a volunteer guardian, they can visit the website: www.birdscanada.org/volunteer/nsplover.
People are also encouraged to report sightings of Piping Plovers to
nsplovers@gmail.com, or to sightings@speciesatrisk.ca.
Sidebar:
Piping Plover protected beaches
Keji Seaside
Ragged Harbour
Cherry Hill
Daniels Head and Stoney Island (CSI)
Sand Hills Provincial Park
Roseway Beach
Red Head
Fox Bar
Crow Neck
Louis Head
Lockeport
Johnson’s Pond
Piping Plovers rebounding except for south
Piping Plovers rebounding except for south
By Carla Allen TRANSCONTINENTAL MEDIA NovaNewsNow.com Sparrow-sized shorebirds with a plaintive bell-like whistle continue to receive protection from dedicated volunteers in Atlantic Canada.
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