Piping Plovers on Crowded Beaches

This was an extremely difficult nesting season for our Piping Plovers. They faced tremendous pressure on Connecticut beaches with increasing activity and far fewer staff and volunteers due to COVID-19. They are a “threatened” species in the Connecticut Endangered Species Act, and federally listed as an endangered species as well. Their nests and chicks fall victim to rising tides, storms and tropical cyclones, boating, fishing, loose dogs, stray cats, an increase in predators due to humans, discarded fishing line and nets, garbage, hotter than normal temperatures, bonfires and parties, overzealous photographers, recreational group activities, aggressive birders, on and on.

Look at that tiny adult on a beach with potentially deadly disturbances and mammalian attackers circulating in and out 24 hours a day. It’s a wonder any survive, ever - young especially! A huge thanks to all the volunteers who have done their best in this unpredictable and all the more tough year.

Scott Kruitbosch
AAfCW Volunteer Coordinator
RTPI Manager of Connecticut Programs