Presqu’ile Provincial Park staff have confirmed the return of the endangered piping plovers in Brighton.
“We’re happy to share that piping plovers have returned to nest at Presqu’ile,” said staff, in a recent social media post. “This year, we have not one, but two pairs of nesting piping plovers on the beach.”
Only in the last decade (roughly) have the small, migratory shorebirds returned to nest along Presqu’ile’s beaches. It was 2016 when the species returned for the first time since the early 1900s.
Park staff are asking residents and visitors to help give the birds the best chance of success by staying out of fenced off areas, giving birds space to forage for food along the shoreline, and keeping dogs off the sandy beaches at all times.
People are asked to also not feed the gulls or other wildlife and use garbage bins in the parking lot area.
What’s more, when walking alone the shoreline, people are asked to pass the fencing area without stopping, said staff, adding that park wardens will also continue to monitor the area closely, “so please be respectful and follow park rules and regulations.”
(Written by: Sarah Hyatt)
