Dogs, do you enjoy going to the beach? Do you want to continue to be welcomed at Maine beaches? Then we all must do our part to protect the Piping Plovers! Piping Plovers are the small birds seen flitting across the shoreline. They nest above the high water mark, in the dry sandy areas, often near the dunes. These tiny sandy grayish brown birds with white bellies are masters of disguise, and can blend in with their surroundings, only to pop up and surprise you as they quickly run past. But don’t let their size fool you! Although delicate, Piping Plovers can winter as far away as South America, before setting out on their migration mission. Each spring some will stop along Maine’s shoreline to rest, refuel, and to start new families.

However, Piping Plover are on the U.S. endangered species list. Therefore, dogs must be respectful and keep our distance! Along the beaches of Maine, volunteers are hard at work putting up signs and temporary fencing to alert dog owners to their nesting sites. It is imperative that we all do our part to keep these birds safe, otherwise more and more beaches could ban us outright or severely limit our access to the beach during their nesting season which runs from April 1st to August 31st. Even if you’re a “good dog,” these little birds can be easily frightened, and eggs accidentally stepped on if we are not careful.

We are asking you to take the Piping Plover Pup Pledge by:

• Keeping dogs away from posted nesting sites, especially in the dunes and sandy areas above the high tide mark.
• Obeying each beach’s leash rules and dog ordinances.
• Walking closer to the water’s edge, to avoid accidentally steeping on camouflaged nests in dry sand areas.
• Giving the birds their space, when seen going between their nests and the shoreline to feed.
• Never chase. Even if off-leash is allowed, if you can’t resist chasing, please stay on-leash!
• If you accidentally get too close, and see it frantically calling or feigning injury, back away slowly. There may be a nest nearby.
• Always pick up and carry out pet waste. In addition carry out all food and garbage that may attract predators to the area.

Please follow the rules of beach etiquette, and give these endangered birds their space, so that we may all continue to enjoy the beach together. In recent years and even months, more Maine beaches have reduced or even denied access to dogs, due to pups not respecting these delicate nesting areas. In addition, Piping Plovers aren’t unique to Maine beaches. Please be aware in other states as well to respect their habitat! For more information visit Maine.gov and AllAboutBirds.org.