Piping Plover Monitoring
Since 1991, an International Census of the endangered
piping plover has been conducted every five years. 2006
marked the fourth census. The number of birds in Manitoba
has dropped on each count and this census was no exception.
 All known nesting areas on suitable beaches in the province were searched for these birds. Only four pairs and possibly a single bird were counted. These eight or nine birds were all identified along the west and east beaches in Grand Beach Provincial Park.
Manitoba Conservation works with volunteers
to save the piping plover from extirpation in the province.
The four nests and one re-nest located at Grand Beach Provincial
Park are closely guarded and monitored during the nesting
season to ensure maximum success for the eggs and young.
Outside of Grand Beach, one pair of Piping Plovers successfully nested
on Elk Island in 2007. This was the first time since 1996 that
plovers attempted to nest at this location. Although four eggs
were laid in this nest, one of the eggs was washed out
during a storm. The
three remaining eggs hatched, but two of the chicks were
lost to predation within the first two weeks after hatching. The
remaining chick was last seen at 18-21 days of age and
therefore presumed to have fledged.
Overall, a total of 14 adult Piping Plovers were seen
in Manitoba during the 2007 breeding season. This
represents a 75% increase in the population since 2006 when only eight adults were observed. Of the 14 adults
observed this year, five pairs (10 adults) were confirmed
to have nested which resulted in a total of six fledged
chicks.
See the nesting updates for the 2006 and 2007 breeding
seasons for more details.
The Manitoba Piping Plover Recovery Program would once again like
to thank all the volunteers and Park staff who dedicated their time
in making this another successful breeding season.
For those of you who were unable
to help with the program this year, but are interested
in helping out next season, please contact the Manitoba
Piping Plover Program Coordinator in April of 2008 by email or
phone at 945-6817. We look forward to seeing you
all again next year!
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