May-June is when the Piping Plover, our NYS Endangered Shorebird, lays its eggs on beaches. Nesting areas are roped off because the nests are camouflaged and could easily be stepped on. Plus the birds need space to avoid being flushed off the nest too frequently. If the well-hidden plovers get off their nests too often and for too long, the eggs are vulnerable to predators and temperature extremes.

Visit Shorebird Specialist Jennifer Murray at Orient Beach State Park to observe and learn more about this special beach-nesting bird.