Piping Plovers are endangered in Canada, and despite extensive recovery efforts, populations in Eastern Canada (Atlantic Provinces and Magdalen Islands) continue to decline.
In 2013, there were 184 pairs in Eastern Canada, a decline from over 250 pairs five years ago. A recent Environment Canada scientific review of the Piping Plover recovery program determined threats outside of the country are likely responsible for this decline. In response to this, EC will be starting a five-year research and banding program that will be undertaken with Canadian, U.S. and Caribbean partners to identify where Piping Plovers migrate and spend the winter. We need your help re-sighting and reporting observations of these banded plovers to gain knowledge of where these birds go after they leave the Eastern Canada breeding grounds.
After a limited banding effort in 2013 with white flags or black flags, Environment Canada will expand banding to include the Maritime provinces and Magdalen Islands during spring and summer 2014.
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| Black and gray flags will be used |
| Above the joint (tibia) on one leg, each bird will get a black or gray flag that has a unique two digit alpha numeric code. Above the joint on the other leg, there will be a USGS metal band. There will be no bands below the joint (tarsus), so if you are looking for banded Eastern Canada birds, you must look above the joint. |
Piping plover (non breeding, winter plumage) with black flag on upper leg. Photo by David Larson. Taken on MA on Sept. 1, 2013
If you see a banded Piping Plover:
A. Observe from a distance with a spotting scope or binoculars, and please try to avoid any disturbance to the bird
B. Record the following information:
- 1) Flag colour and alphanumeric code
- 2) Location of sighting
- 3) Date of sighting
- 4) Record additional notes (behaviour; if with a flock, record size and composition, etc.)
- 5) If possible, please take a photo to include with your report
Please send your sightings to:
Cheri Gratto-Trevor
Research Scientist, Shorebirds Environment Canada
email: Cheri.Gratto-Trevor@ec.gc.ca