Headed to the beach to enjoy this wonderful weather? Be sure to be mindful of beach-nesting birds! This is a critical time for birds like the endangered Piping Plover. Coastal Birds Project director Laura Minich Zitske and her team have observed over 90 plover chicks on Maine beaches so far, with more on the way. […]
Plovers & Terns
Celebrate Endangered Species Day by Taking Action
Happy Endangered Species Day from your friends at Maine Audubon! Today is an opportunity to learn about the importance of endangered species and actions you can take to help protect them. In Maine, endangered and threatened species like the Canada Lynx, Atlantic Salmon, and New England Cottontail need your help more than ever. Right now […]
The 2018 Plover Crew Hits the Beaches
Despite the driving rain and 35 degree temperatures today, the 2018 Plover crew ventured out to the beaches. This year, Heidi Franklin (above, left) is joining Sam Albright, Zac Fait (center, right), and me as Maine Audubon’s Coastal Birds Project biologist team. Already, plovers have been seen on beaches from Ogunquit to Popham. They are […]
Marching for Science in Portland [Photos & Video]
Maine Audubon wildlife biologist Laura Minich Zitske, who leads our Coastal Birds Project, was a featured speaker at Portland’s March for Science yesterday. Despite the chilly April temperatures, a dedicated corps turned out to support science and its wider inclusion in public policy decision-making. Laura’s remarks, below, focused on the role individuals can play — […]
Introducing #pets4plovers
For years, Maine Audubon has been working on behalf of Piping Plovers, which�are listed as an endangered species in Maine and are threatened under federal law. Each spring, the birds�make their nests on many of the beaches of southern Maine. People love watching plovers scurrying across the beach — especially when they are tending their […]
Abnormally Large Piping Plover Seen on Maine Beach
Birding enthusiasts have begun flocking to Old Orchard Beach following reports that a rare 50-foot Piping Plover has been spotted roaming around the popular summer destination. Maine Audubon biologist Laura Minich Zitske, who directs the Piping Plover and Least Tern Project, said that while sightings of enormous plovers are quite unusual, they aren’t unheard of. […]
MEDIA RELEASE: First Protected Piping Plover Nest of the Season Found in Maine
NEWS RELEASE� For Immediate Release April 28, 2015 Contact: Agata Ketterick, Maine Audubon, 207-781-2330 x232 Meagan Racey, USFWS, 413-253-8558 Mark Latti, MDIFW, 207-287-5216 First Protected Piping Plover Nest of the Season Found in Maine Wildlife agencies, Maine Audubon ask for help safeguarding nesting areas On the heels of last year’s highly productive piping plover […]
MEDIA RELEASE: Endangered Piping Plovers Return to Southern Maine
NEWS RELEASE� For Immediate Release April 24, 2014 Contact: Michelle Smith,�Communications & Marketing Manager msmith@maineaudubon.org (207) 781-6180 x209 Mobile: (207) 838-0511 Endangered Piping Plovers Return to Southern Maine Maine Audubon reminds beach-goers and landowners to be aware of nesting areas FALMOUTH � Maine Audubon reported today that several Piping Plover nesting pairs have returned to […]
Death of Piping Plover Serves as Reminder to Keep Dogs on Leash
By:�Katie Burns and Mary Badger (Piping Plover project interns) On Monday, July 15, our biologists received concerning news. The Scarborough Marsh Audubon Center called the Piping Plover/Least Tern Project office to report that a dead piping plover fledgling (learning to fly) had been delivered to the Center. The citizen who brought in the plover�witnessed the […]