Piping Plovers

Share The Beach With An Endangered Species

You may find the nests of endangered piping plovers and least terns when you visit the beach this summer. You can help protect them by following some simple guidelines.

Piping Plover

How Can You Help?

  • Stay clear of fenced areas marked with Restricted Area signs.
  • If you see chicks on the beach, do not follow or chase them. Leave them plenty of space to feed.
  • Keep dogs leashed and all pets far away from nesting areas. Roaming dogs and cats have injured and destroyed the eggs and chicks of piping plovers and least terns.
  • Fly kites well away from nesting areas. Plovers and terns mistake them for predators and leave their nests to ward off the intruders.
  • Take your trash and food scraps with you when you leave the beach for the day. Garbage attracts predators.
  • Immediately notify the Maine Audubon Society 207-781-2330 of disturbances to the birds or nesting area.
Adult and baby piping plover birds

Volunteering & Additional Information

If you enjoy walking the beaches; appreciate flexible days/hours/time of day; and want to make a difference and help protect the Piping Plover then Volunteering for the Piping Plover Project is for you!

For more information on volunteering and becoming a Piping Plover spotter for the Town of Wells, please call the Town Manager's office at 207-646-5113.

For more information on the Piping Plover and Least Tern, please call Jody Jones at Maine Audubon at 207-781-2330.

Thank you for your assistance and enjoy your summer!

Piping Plover Project Call for Volunteers

  1. Volunteer for the Piping Plover Project (PDF)