Piping Plovers are small shorebirds who are considered endangered or threatened due to destruction of beach habitat as well as interference with humans, pets and vehicles. Beaches along the coast will block off areas where this bird nests – despite the negative feedback from regular beach-goers. I’ve been wanting to photograph this bird for a while and, this past June, my friend Jon took me to go see them. Birding was very slow along the coast since most of the migrating shorebirds moved on to their breeding grounds, but a Piping Plover put on a great show for us, which made the trip completely worth it. The bird preened, searched for a meal and wandered around the tidal pools making for some really nice photos.
Rather than attempt to write about it, I will share the experience in photos.
Piping Plover near the tidal pool
Shaking during preening
Piping Plover near the tidal pool
Piping Plover grabbing a meal
Running along the sand
Scratching that itch
Nice Piping Plover reflection