Piping Plover Chicks on Hirtle's Beach

July 03, 2026

While enjoying a sunset walk along Hirtle's Beach, even though the water temperature was painfully cold, I walked in the water to cool down after the heat of the day. A little bird caught my eye. The cordoned-off plover nesting area was not far away, so I had piping plovers on my mind. I could see that it was clearly an adult piping plover! A few more steps and I could see another adult. And then, following her, a line of 3 tiny babies! What a miracle! So small, but already so capable on their little legs. I didn't have a way to take a photo, but it was a sight I will never forget. Not wanting to disturb them further, I turned around and walked back in the water, giving space to the young family. One of the adults was limping, which I was later told could be a distraction tactic. I then saw a quarter of a light-coloured speckled eggshell, which I was later told was likely a plover eggshell. Apparently, the adults will often move the empty shells in order to remove evidence and distract predators from the nesting site.

I reported my sighting by email to Avery at Birds Canada. The next day when I returned to the beach, it just so happened that I ran into Avery's colleague, Donica. Donica set up her telescope outside the roped-off area, and was able to confirm that the nest of piping plovers had just hatched, and there were 4 babies! We observed the parents fend off crows (and humans), and watch protectively over their young. The babies were finding plenty of things to eat at the water's edge. Donica said they look like cotton balls, and we agreed. The chicks won't be able to fly for another 20 days or so, making them very vulnerable. I sure hope they make it! How special for this pair to have chosen Hirtle's Beach to raise their family. — Cate de Vreede (nee Truman)

Click here to view a video of the chicks.