Piping Plover Shorebirds | photo by Craig Sterken Photography
Piping Plover Shorebirds
Nest in the Beaches and Sand Dunes of Lake Michigan
If you’ve ever walked along the shores of Lake Michigan and found yourself smiling at the antics of the Piping Plover, you’re not alone. These birds scamper across the sand at the edge of the surf, and just as quickly flutter away. To many, they are a sign of summer in the same way that a seagull perched on a piling may be.
Hopefully the Piping Plover will continue to amuse us and enjoy our shorelines for years to come. But only time will tell if their precarious hold on life will prevail. The Piping Plover is considered an endangered species and could become extinct if we’re not careful. In the 1800s and early 1900s the Piping Plover was hunted to very low levels as it was in demand for its feathers, which were used for hat decoration. They were put under protection in 1918 and numbers were increasing. However, habitat loss due to development, rising lake levels, and predators brought their numbers in the Great Lakes area down to around two dozen in the ’70s. The Piping Plovers construct their nests on flat, sandy beaches. As lake levels rise, the beach area decreases and leaves little room for nesting. Dogs, cats, foxes, and raccoons are just a few of the predators these birds have to worry about.
Current efforts to protect their nesting areas have made a difference and their numbers are increasing. Nesting pair numbers are currently around five dozen in the Great Lakes region, but that number fluctuates. An aggressive campaign to build cages around their nesting sites and rope the areas off to alert humans has greatly helped the Piping Plover population.
If you’re lucky enough to spot these playful plovers, enjoy their antics, but try to keep a respectful distance. For photography enthusiasts, a long lens and patience can go a long way. With a little education, these beautiful birds just may be here for years to come.
Article by Craig Sterken Photography
Lake Michigan Travel Regions
Michigan
- Michigan’s Upper Peninsula
- Northern Michigan
- Northwest Michigan
- Central West Michigan
- Southwest Michigan
Wisconsin
Indiana & Illinois
Tour the Regions Around Lake Michigan
Central West Michigan Region
The Central West Michigan lakeshore includes Grand Haven, Holland, and Muskegon. Smaller destinations include Pentwater and Silver Lake.
Northwest Michigan Region
Northwest Michigan is all about small towns, big dunes, beautiful lakes, and the most scenic roads in between.
Illinois Lakeshore Region
The Illinois lakeshore is the most densely populated region around Lake Michigan, because it is home to the city of Chicago and its suburbs.
Northern Michigan Region
Northern Michigan is a very popular destination and includes attractions like the Tunnel of Trees from Harbor Springs to Cross Village.
Southeast Wisconsin Region
Southeast Wisconsin segment of the Lake Michigan Circle Tour includes the counties of Kenosha, Racine, Ozaukee, and Sheboygan.
Upper Peninsula Michigan Region
Michigan’s Upper Peninsula has shoreline along Lake Michigan and Lake Superior and is one of the most beautiful areas in the state.