two week old Piping Plover chicks

One of our Good Harbor Beach chicks is not growing as well as the other five. Just like SuperMom, his right foot has sustained some type of injury. I have been keeping an eye on him the past few days and he’s definitely not eating and not growing as quickly as are his siblings at area #3. He doesn’t put any weight on the foot and often does a hop run like his Mom. He is mostly seen straggling behind and spends more time than the others thermo-snuggling beneath the parent’s wings, especially Mom. She appears to be extra nurturing with this one and does not seem to mind providing extra snuggles. Perhaps with her injury, more snuggling gives her additional time to rest, too.

You can see in the photo he’s at least a third smaller than his sibling. Please, if you go to see the Plovers, give them lots of and lots of space to forage and to do their thing. particularly during the morning and late day when the beach isn’t crowded, it’s their time to forage and stock up for the day’s limited access to food and to water. Thank you so very much!

The chick on the left is similar in development to his two other siblings. You can see that the little handicapped chick on the right is smaller and is not putting any weight on his foot.

Happy Two-Week-Old Birthday to our GHB Area #3 Chicks

It’s been crazy busy at GHB and if all six chicks survive this most busiest of holiday weekends, it will be a miracle, and also, largely due to our amazing team of PiPl Ambassadors who have devoted many extra hours over the four day weekend to keeping watch over the PiPls.

Two weeks ago today, four tiny Piping Plover chicks hatched at Good Harbor Beach. Nesting got off to a rocky start, with the mated pair first attempting to nest at the beach, then at the parking lot, but then thankfully, returning to their original nest site.

The relative peace on the beach, excellent parenting by Mama and Papa PiPl, cooler than average temperatures, vigilant monitoring by a corps of dedicated volunteers, outpouring of consideration by beach goers, as well as support from the DPW, City administration, and City Councilors has allowed the chicks to attain the two-week-old stage of maturity. With each passing day, we can see the chicks are gaining in strength and fortitude and listening more attentively to their parent’s voice commands. Adhering to Mama and Papa’s piping calls is an important milestone in their development. The parents continuously pipe commands and directions, warning of danger and directing the chicks to come to a stand still. The tiny shorebird’s best defense is its ability to blend with its surroundings when motionless.

The chicks spent the early morning warming up and foraging at the protected area. Afternoon found them camped out at the creek.

Snapshots from the morning

Piping Plover Chicks Two Weeks Old Gloucester MA copyright Kim Smith - 05 copy

Piping Plover Chicks Two Weeks Old Gloucester MA copyright Kim Smith - 03

Piping Plover Chicks Two Weeks Old Gloucester MA copyright Kim Smith - 04 copy

Piping Plover Chicks Two Weeks Old Gloucester MA copyright Kim Smith - 06 copy

Piping Plover Chicks Two Weeks Old Gloucester MA copyright Kim Smith - 10 copy

Piping Plover Male Gloucester MA copyright Kim Smith - 12

Piping Plover Chicks Two Weeks Old Gloucester MA copyright Kim Smith - 11 copy

Piping Plover Chicks Two Weeks Old Gloucester MA copyright Kim Smith - 09 copy

Piping Plover Chicks Two Weeks Old Gloucester MA copyright Kim Smith - 08 copy

Piping Plover Chicks Two Weeks Old Gloucester MA copyright Kim Smith - 07 copy

Piping Plover Chicks Two Weeks Old Gloucester MA copyright Kim Smith - 13 copy

There was a group of young people stationed near the PiPl protected area enjoying the beach on this fine sunny afternoon. All was good though as the chicks were perfectly safe, foraging far down the creek. With gratitude and thanks to everyone who is helping to keep our PiPl family safe.