A record number of 80 nesting pairs of Piping Plovers raised 128 fledglings in the Great Lakes region last summer (photo by Paul Konrad).

This summer a record number of 80 pairs of Piping Plovers nested in the Great Lakes region, the most since being listed as endangered and 8 more pairs than last year. The 80 nesting pairs raised 128 Piping Plover fledglings, a fledging rate of 1.6 fledglings per pair, which is more than the annual recovery goal of at least 1.5 fledglings per pair. An increase in the number of nesting pair pairs was believed to be partly due to the recruitment success resulting from the record 150 fledglings raised in 2022 by 72 pairs of Piping Plovers.

The ongoing study and protection of this endangered population of Piping Plovers is coordinated by the Great Lakes Piping Plover Recovery Team, which includes individuals from several agencies and conservation organizations. Reaching the milestone of 80 nesting pairs brings the population closer to the 150 pair recovery goal to restore and maintain a viable Piping Plover population within the Great Lakes region, which will lead to removing the population from the Endangered Species List.

To learn more about the Great Lakes Piping Plover recovery efforts, refer to Great Lakes Piping Plovers Are Flying High with a Second Record-breaking Breeding Season | Audubon Great Lakes