The Piping Plover Problem in Boston

The Piping Plover is a dainty little bird. About six inches long, with bright orange legs and distinctive black bands around their necks and foreheads, these little shorebirds of the Atlantic Coast catch the eyes of beach goers from Eastern Canada down to the tip of Florida, depending on the season. Running and stopping, running and stopping, they play games with the tides as the waves roll into the beach, and let out the distinctive call that earns them their name. These diminutive birds command a lot of attention.

On the North Shore of Massachusetts, there are those who believe that the Plovers command too much attention, and they’ve had just about enough of the little winged bandits. Claiming that the Plovers are robbing area residents of their favorite beach, some area residents are crying fowl.  Sadly, at least one individual or group has taken their grievance to the Plovers themselves, with destructive results. 

So, here’s the lowdown on the Plover Problem. Classified as an endangered species, the Plovers are afforded protection, and their natural habitats are guarded from intrusion. That sounds perfectly reasonable, right? Let’s keep these chubby little chirpers safe from molestation and allow them to fortify their numbers. The problem in North Eastern Massachusetts, however, is that the Piping Plover chooses to nest in the dunes of the most popular beach north of Cape Cod.

Crane Beach in Ipswich, MA is absolutely beautiful. An ideal balance of deep, wide sandy stretches of beach, saw grass covered dunes, and non-aggressive tidal surges, Crane is a favorite destination for families, friendly groups, and beach bums alike. Offering ample parking, snack stands, restroom facilities, and showers, folks looking for a little sunshine and relaxation can easily spend the day at Crane Beach and find everything they need to stay comfortable and entertained. In a city where sub zero temperatures give way, without announcement, to 100 degree days with 100% humidity, a beach like Crane means a lot to a lot of people.