Done some interesting things in my life and this was one of them. Being a piping plover guardian at Wasauga Beach in 2009. It is quite the distance for me to go. But I really enjoyed it. It has been a successful program to date. They are doing a great job. Beach one is closed off as soon as eggs are laid and the nests are protected with predator cages. Parents can get in and out but predators can not. These are not loading in right order but I will give a mention to the shots so you know what they are about.
Mom protects babes by calling them all in and putting them underneath her til the danger has passed.
A little one getting more active and wandering farther away.
All things were left on the beach so there was a lot of protected places to hide under and around if need be.
This is peg leg. Nick named that because he was missing one foot. In spite of that however. He still was able to breed and was a darn good Dad. He I believe has since passed on.
The piping plover nest and eggs with protected cage around them.Parent entering to sit. Parents changed over every few hours.
Male settling inn for another shift.
Rivalry between pairs, A pair of killdeer also nested in same area. Confrontations occurred frequently.
A predator. A ring billed gull. What a size difference. Yet those little plovers kept them away from their young. Of course sometimes it didn't work. It's a tough one. Other predators like hawks also came around. Little ones are hard to see on the beach being the color. And boy can they run when parent call em in. But sometimes its not enough and they get taken. That was the hardest part.
A parent plover chases a gull from its young. Very brave sole. Success this time.
Growing big and strong and taking a big stretch.
Exploring. Under the watchful eye of a parent.
Babes are banded while still in nest I believe. Been a while. And I was not there for that. Done very early in the day.
Nap time.
Mom & babe with gull very close. This went very well and the gull did not attempt to take the chick.Tense moment for the guardians.
The male Peg Leg on duty.
Plump little plover
Look at how big they get so quickly. Now flight is the next thing to concor before they fly south.
Another one of my amazing adventures with wildlife.
1 comment:
Amazing. Yours is the second story I've heard about Plover Guardians, the other being over on the Bruce Peninsula. I hope these measures continue to be taken until this species is no longer at risk. It is awesome to hear about these small groups of local wildlife caretakers who are making a big difference in the survival of an entire species one nesting season at a time.
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