Proud mothers of plover chicks celebrated on nesting beaches

In the United States and Canada, many people take part in a tradition called 'hatching season' each spring. This is the time of year when people watch and celebrate the growth of baby birds, specifically plover chicks.

Plovers are small shorebirds that nest in sandy areas near water. Male and female plovers work together to build a nest and incubate eggs. After hatching, both parents continue to care for their chicks until they are ready to fledge, or leave the nest.

Nesting beaches are important to plovers and other shorebird species. These birds rely on undisturbed beach habitats to raise their young. Unfortunately, several factors such as habitat loss, predation, and human disturbance can threaten plover populations.

This is why it is so important to celebrate hatchling season each year! People from all over come together to help protect these special birds. They do this by observing nesting sites from a distance, keeping dogs on leashes, and cleaning up trash left behind by beachgoers.

As you can see, there are many ways for everyone to help protect plover nests during hatchling season. So be sure to spread the word and enjoy watching these beautiful birds grow!

Help protect endangered plovers during their nesting season

The piping plover is a small shorebird that nests on sandy beaches in coastal regions of North America. Unfortunately, their population has been in decline for many years and is now considered to be an endangered species. During their nesting season, it is critical that people do what they can to help protect these birds from potential dangers.

One of the main ways that people can help protect piping plovers during their nesting season is by staying away from beaches where they are present. It is important not to disturb or harass the birds, as this can cause them to abandon their nests prematurely. In addition, people should refrain from bringing or allowing dogs onto beaches where piping plovers are nesting, as dogs can easily scare or disturb the birds.

Another way that people can help protect piping plovers during their nesting season is by making sure to clean up any trash or debris that may be on the beach. Trash and debris can easily kill or injure chicks and adults, so it is important to properly dispose of any litter that may be present.

By following these simple tips, we can all do our part in helping to protect endangered piping plovers during their nesting season.

Plover populations increasing thanks to conservation efforts

Plover populations around the world have seen a resurgence in recent years, thanks in part to concerted conservation efforts. In some cases, populations of threatened plover species have doubled or even tripled in size.

The near-threatened piping plover, for example, has seen its population rebound from just over 10,000 birds in 1990 to more than 23,000 birds by 2015. Similarly, the endangered American oystercatcher has increased its population from about 2,500 individuals in the early 1990s to more than 5,600 individuals as of 2015.

What's behind this resurgence? The main factor is increasing awareness and appreciation for these iconic shorebirds. Conservationists and land managers have also stepped up their efforts to protect plover habitats and create opportunities for the birds to nest and feed.

For example, many coastal communities are now working to keep beaches clean and free of predators like gulls and foxes. Habitat restoration projects are also helping to create more suitable nesting and feeding grounds for plovers.

The plover comeback is good news for these beautiful birds – and for the many people who love to see them along our coasts and waterways.

Plovers lay eggs early in the year, earlier than most other shorebirds

The piping plover is a small shorebird that breeds in coastal areas of the United States and Canada. They are one of the earliest bird species to lay eggs, usually laying their eggs in late March or early April.

In contrast, other shorebird species typically don't lay their eggs until May or June. For example, the American black duck lays its eggs in late May or early June, while the common loon doesn't lay its eggs until late June or early July.

The early nesting behavior of piping plovers helps them avoid predation by predators like foxes and raccoons, which are more active during later months. It also allows them to take advantage of the summertime food resources that are available near their breeding grounds.

Plovers are an important part of our coastal ecosystem

They are known for their gentle nature and beautiful call.

Plovers are threatened by development, predators, and disturbance.

The piping plover is a small shorebird that is found on the Atlantic and Gulf coasts of North America. They are about 8-10 inches in length and have a wingspan of 18-20 inches. Plovers are best known for their gentle nature and beautiful call. There are two species of plover that occur in North America, the piping plover and the American golden plover. The piping plover is a federally listed threatened species and the American golden plover is a state listed threatened species.

Piping plovers nest on beaches and shorelines in well-vegetated areas. They lay two to four eggs in a shallow nest that is scraped out on the ground. The eggs are incubated by both parents for 22-27 days. The chicks are able to leave the nest within a day or two of hatching, but they stay near the parents until they can fly which is about four weeks later.

Piping plovers are threatened by development, predation, and disturbance. Development activities such as beach sand mining, construction, and recreation can disturb or destroy nests and kill chicks or adults. Dogs running off leash can also kill piping plovers. Predation by gulls, crows, foxes, raccoons, and coyotes can also cause nest failure or kill chicks or adults.