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Researchers hope for continued presence of piping plover on Lake Ontario after historic return

Our own Jillian Liner, Director of Bird Conservation, speaks about the Plover's return.

Original story published by the Watertown Daily Times, by Gordon Block
January 18, 2016

After three decades away, piping plovers made their return to Lake Ontario this past summer.

Now, researchers hope the shore birds’ progress in the region can continue.

James F. Faquhar, regional wildlife manager for the state Department of Environmental Conservation, said the key was the health of the Great Lakes and of beach areas where they reside.

“Conditions are likely better now than they have been before,” he said. “When you can provide an inviting environment, species will find it and they’ll come.”

Three adult plovers were spotted over the summer on New York’s Ontario shore, including a breeding pair in Jefferson County that hatched two chicks. One chick survived to migrate south in August.

“It bodes well that the birds came here,” Mr. Faquhar said. “They’re viewing this area now as a good place to nest again.”

The discovery of the shore bird was a collaboration between the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, state agencies and regional conservation groups.

“It’s a reflection of how well the birds are doing, and the recovery efforts of the Great Lakes,” said Jillian M. Liner, director of bird conservation for Audubon New York.

“All the efforts and money being spent are having an impact,” Mrs. Liner said.

The bird, similar to a sandpiper, can get up to 5 inches long and about 2.25 ounces, according to the DEC.

Nesting on beaches to take advantage of their sandy coloring, the birds travel either individually or in small groups.

The species, affected by predation and human disturbances, was put on the endangered list as the Great Lakes population dropped to 16 pairs, limited to Michigan.

The region now has about 75 pairs.

For this coming summer in the Lake Ontario area, the first challenges will be locating the piping plovers if they arrive in the area.

“Our challenge this year is they can be a bit nomadic,” Mr. Faquhar said. “There’s no guarantee they’ll return to the same stretch.”

Also important will be working with communities on how to best protect the birds.

“We have flexibility on how we use the beach, but the birds don’t. That’s where the birds live, eat, and raise a family,” Mrs. Liner said. “That would be my hope — the community embrace and are proud of it.”

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

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