Piping Plovers: What are they?

While the Piping Plover is labeled as an endangered species in the state of Maine and many other parts of the US, Ogunquit and its surrounding beaches offer an extraordinary chance at taking in the sight of the endangered bird. Marked-off sections of the local beaches protect nesting sites from human foot traffic.
 The birds are recognizable by their round bodies and short thick neck, with a rather stubby bill. Adult plovers have orange legs, with sand colored bodies and a ring around the neck. Also a distinguishing band across the forehead from eye to eye is a tell-tale feature of the plover.
The Piping Plover joined the endangered species list in 1985. Along with the increased development of shore front property, demand for plover feathers for luxury hats has landed the plover on the not so popular list of endangered species.
The overall population of the plovers remains low, but the town of Ogunquit and its neighboring beaches still hold a large population of the birds. During your next visit to the Mariner Resort be sure to pay extra close attention to the birds on the beaches as you pass by. You never know what tiny rare bird you might see at your feet!