Coastal Maine suffered extensive damage this past winter, leaving returning seasonal visitors the difficult task of rebuilding their summer homes. This includes our feathered friends the Piping Plovers. Along Maine’s seacoast much of their nesting areas in the dunes and sandy areas above the tideline were damaged or washed away in the record breaking storm tides. This is why we are asking all dogs when visiting Maine beaches to be vigilant in protecting our endangered friends by taking the Piping Plover Pledge!

Piping Plovers are the small birds seen flitting across the shoreline. 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. They nest above the high water mark, in the dry sandy areas, often near the dunes. These nests are scrapes in the sand, and their camouflaged eggs can be easily missed and trampled by excited paws or distracted humans.

This is why the Piping Plover are on the state endanger species and the federally threatened species lists. Dogs, we must be respectful and keep our distance! Along the beaches of Maine, volunteers are hard at work rebuilding the dunes, as well as putting up signs and temporary fencing to alert dog owners to their nesting sites. By giving the birds their space, and following the dog rules, we can all enjoy the beach this summer.

In recent years more Maine beaches have reduced or even denied access to dogs, due to pups not respecting these delicate nesting areas. It is imperative that we all do our part to keep these birds safe, otherwise more and more beaches could ban dogs 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 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. 

In addition, Piping Plovers aren’t unique to Maine beaches. Therefore, no matter which state you’re in, please be aware and respect their habitat, as well as the habitat of other animals who call the beach their home! For more information about the Piping Plover, visit Maine.gov and AllAboutBirds.org.