Piping Plovers are considered an endangered species, or they are at least on the verge of being so. That’s why a section of the beach and dunes at Barnegat Lighthouse is roped off from April to September. Signs placed at regular intervals warn that the area is a nesting site for them, and for two other kinds of shore birds, Black Skimmers and Least Terns.
Of course these cute little birds disregard the signs, and I have seen some running out to search for food on the beach and near the water. They look like cotton balls trotting up and down between the dunes and the waves.
Beach sign.
Piping Plover running down to shoreline.
Piping Plover running back to dunes.
Piping Plover.
neihtn 
Beautiful photos, Hien, so adorable!
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Thanks, Donna!
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Beautiful captures of this cute little bird, Hien!
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Thanks Tiny!
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This is such a cute bird! 🙂 🙂
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Thanks Amy! It’s an adorable bird, and I just hope there will be many more of them.
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“Cotton balls” – this expression is priceless 🙂 This reminded me of the short animated film “Piper” too!
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Thank you Takami! I’ll have to try and see that Piper movie.
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Nice website. Just wanted to ask if you have seen the oscar-winning movie Piper. It seems to be a story about your bird.
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Thank you. I have not yet seen that Piper movie, but I think it’s about a Sandpiper.
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Hope you get to see some nestlings! They sure are cute.
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They are very cute, and the babies would be really small, uber cute!
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Beautiful shots of a terrific little bird. You are lucky to be near the nesting territory!
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Thank you! I am actually 2 hours from that nesting area, but the drive is worth it.
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