Plovers in a dangerous time: Endangered bird may be making a comeback on N.B. shores

Kouchibouguac National Park in Canada recently celebrated a small victory in the conservation of the endangered piping plovers. The park welcomed six pairs of these migratory shorebirds in 2024, resulting in the successful fledging of 16 chicks – the highest annual production in seven years. These birds make their stop along the coastlines of eastern North America each spring to nest and raise their young before embarking on their journey south to warmer climates.

Piping plovers are vulnerable to predation, flooding, and human activity due to their habit of building nests on exposed sandy beaches. Daniel Gallant, an ecologist for Parks Canada, highlighted the significance of this achievement, stating that the 16 fledglings from six piping plover couples exceeded the national recovery strategy goal of a production rate of 1.67. This success is a positive sign of recovery following a crash in the species’ population in 2019.

While the park has seen higher reproduction rates in the past, the recent increase in fledglings is a promising development. Despite this progress, the overall population of piping plovers remains in decline, with only 40 nesting pairs counted in New Brunswick out of roughly 190 pairs across Atlantic Canada and Quebec in 2024.

Sue Abbott, associate director of Atlantic programs for Birds Canada, emphasized the importance of every nesting pair in the conservation efforts for the species. She noted that while the recent success at Kouchibouguac National Park is encouraging, it does not represent a significant uptick in the overall population of piping plovers.

The decline of piping plovers in Canada since the 1980s led to their designation as an endangered species in 2001. Conservation efforts have been put in place to protect these birds, including the implementation of a federal conservation framework through the Species at Risk Act in 2012. The long-term goal is to have 310 pairs of piping plovers regionally, with New Brunswick playing a crucial role in the recovery efforts.

Threats facing piping plovers, such as development of beaches, off-leash dogs, and recreational use of vehicles, continue to be a concern for conservationists. These activities can disrupt nesting sites and harm adult birds and chicks. Gallant and Abbott both stressed the importance of protecting these vulnerable birds during their critical nesting period from late April to July.

The successful breeding season at Kouchibouguac National Park is a step in the right direction for the conservation of piping plovers. By continuing to monitor and protect these birds, conservationists are working towards ensuring the long-term survival of this endangered species.