Piping plover

The Piping Plover is a small shorebird that is found only in North America, and has been designated as endangered or at risk of extinction by the Committee on the Status of Wildlife in Canada (COSEWIC) since 1985.

In the spring, this small shorebird nests along the park’s golden sand dunes. After finding the perfect place, the piping plover makes a modest nest by digging a simple depression in the sand and camouflages its clutch (up to four eggs) among gravel and pieces of shells.

Conservation efforts

In early May to the end of August, we conduct our annual census along the entire 25 km of coastline, where we locate and monitor piping plover nests.

Since the nests and clutches are vulnerable, the park prohibits access to certain sections of the beaches and prohibits pets along barrier islands. These closures may change as more nests are located. We ask that you respect the posted closures and visit our website for the updated closure map to assist us in reducing disturbances and increasing the species reproductive success.

Lend a hand

By picking up trash at the beach, even biodegradable items (apple cores and fruit peels), you help reduce the risk of artificially attracting the shorebirds’ natural predators such as seagulls and crows who love snacking on the Piping Plover’s vulnerable eggs.