Not shy in the least, the four Good Harbor Beach Piping Plovers spent the early part of the morning running and feeding along the shoreline, bathing in the tidal flats, and ferociously defending their territory against other avian intruders. A jogger ran past the one preening at the water’s edge–he was quite close–but that did not seem to alarm the Plover. They are diminutive little creatures, about six to seven inches in length, and show mostly white feathers when flying overhead.
Breakfast – Piping Plovers eat insects and small invertebrates
One Piping Plover seemed to be testing different sites to nest, momentarily hunkering down, then leaving the spot, and then returning a few moments later to vigorously dig a deeper depression in the sand, before then flying away.
Testing the depression
Leaving the possible nesting site
Returning to the depression
Digging in!
The roped off area appears to be a terrific solution in helping to protect the possible nesting sites. Visitors to Good Harbor Beach this morning were very mindful about respecting the boundary. And there was not a single dog in sight, off leash or otherwise. The Plovers flew in and out of the restricted area, as did Killdeers and several other species of shore birds.
A Killdeer feeding near the Piping Plovers. The Killdeers, also members of the Charadadriidae, are slightly larger and a much darker brown than the Piping Plovers.
Preening
Good Morning Gloucester 
Kim fantastic documentation — thanks so much.
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Thank you so much Karen. Just beautiful creatures and a joy to photograph this morning.
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Thanks so much for sharing these beautiful pictures. Nic e to hear that people are respecting them.
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It was a lovely quiet morning. I think if we in the community are all aware, then we can help visitors from out of town understand, too.
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Amazing photos of our GH Piping Plovers! Thank you .
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Thanks so much Douglas. I think its great that you are sharing information with the Briar Neck Association 🙂
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Wow, Kim, you did it again, fantastic pictures and research and details. Thanks!! Jenn
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Thank you Jenn for your very kind comment, very much appreciated 🙂 🙂
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The pictures of it digging a nest are so cool! Plovers are really cute.
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Thank you gratefulgardenfarm; that was super exciting to see!
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Such a joy seeing these adorable pictures! It must of been equally joyful for you! Great photos!
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Yes it was Lisa!! Love been out early in the morning, you just see the most amazing wildlife and their behavior 🙂
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Such great personalities captured in these images – just delightful! THANK YOU SO MUCH!!
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Thank you Anonymous–yes very personable little creatures–feisty, too!
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Very nice got me curious as always and found this U Mass…
Tracking Endangered Birds
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Very interesting, thanks for sharing Dave 🙂
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You are most welcome just got me curious as your article eluding to many issues of today! 🙂 & Kim 🙂
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The legs and stepping in these photos! Bet it even grabbed Joey’s heart. And the can-can nesting shots. Very cool. As helpful as field guides and drawings can be, the birds are still as statues making it difficult (for me) to match the page with life before me. Your field guide brings me there.
Are there many birders out there, too? or nature photographers/videographers (like just out of the field of shot)?
What is the difference between the male/female?
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Thank you Catherine! No, no others were there Monday morning but as word gets around, perhaps there will be some.
Male and females look very much alike. If you see male and female together, the male is usually slightly larger. Also, during mating season, the male’s orange patch at the base of the bill is brighter than the female’s. I think we are seeing a male digging the nest. From what I have read, the male selects the nesting site and begins the excavation.
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Thanks for doing what you do, Kim. It’s always fun to read and look.
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Thank you Allen for saying so and for your always thoughtful and often humorous comments 🙂
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