NYC Plover Project

please DO NOT bring dogs to the beach; never ride an e-bike on the beach; & always give shorebirds space as they feed & rest (you too, photographers & birders!)

Thank you!

📷: Chris Allieri, 7/30/25, Breezy Point Tip

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It’s fall migration! So, if you see shorebird flocks at the edge of the water, please walk around groups of birds — and not through them (there’s often migratory shorebirds amongst the gulls, who deserve our respect too!); …

Their flights — which can be 1,000 miles or more — are fraught with challenges, so we must do everything we can so that they can depart as strong as possible.

Hanging with the big kids! One of these birds is about to head off on their first migration! We hold every Piping Plover in our hearts — especially the newest fledglings — as they head off on their perilous journeys.

🧵

We are so grateful for this wildlife protection area - and they are too! ❤️

This very special pair of American Oystercatchers - YAT & YAU - have been nesting together on Rockaway Beach since 2014! Like many other skimmers, terns, oystercatchers & plovers, they’ve thrived at the @nycparks Rockaway Beach Endangered Species Nesting Area in Arverne & Edgemere.

The Fort Tilden brood of 3 is growing up fast! Both parents are still diligently protecting them, but of course, Piping Plover chicks feed themselves from birth.
So much hope for this New Yorker family.
❤️❤️❤️

📷: Benjamin Forbes

We have a few more spots for 2025 volunteers! Join us TONIGHT to learn about this special opportunity! Virtual | Must pre-register | Join us! lu.ma/v1z316ib

Massive threats are coming for the Endangered Species Act. Despite most Americans supporting endangered species protections, radicals in Congress are driving an agenda to harm wildlife. Feeling hopeless & uninformed? Let’s change that! Webinar 7/24! shorturl.at/IKpr7

The plant does not react this way if the nearby competitor is kin. (source: Dudley/File 2007)

Young one as seen & photographed by volunteer Lauren Guerrero older chick seen & photographed by executive director Chris Allieri. A true New Yorker, this plant, Cakile edentula grows roots more aggressively and intensively if a nearby competitor is sensed.

Here’s to the Sea Rocket - Cakile edentula - a beautiful little native plant found on our beaches, providing shade, shelter & protection for Piping Plover chicks of varying ages!

Part of the Fort Tilden brood (one of 3 broods at this busy beach) as seen at dawn today. Temporary beach closures - without people entering them - work!

Thank you for your support so our endangered species can thrive and survive.

📷: Benjamin Forbes

Fun event for all! SATURDAY @ Jacob Riis Park! Stop on by!

Part of the 8th Annual Jamaica Bay Festival!

Two of the 🐥 🐥🐥 from the Fort Tilden brood, which first hatched on June 19th, as seen this morning! Temporary beach closures work!

📷: Benjamin Forbes

🚨HEY NYC, HEADED TO THE BEACH? PLEASE READ!

Important reminders if you’re headed to the beach this week & weekend — no 🎆 (go to 🌉 & watch @macys), no 🔥 on the beach, no drones, no 🐕, no 🪁. Yes to plovers! Yes to swimming by a lifeguard on duty! Yes to 🐳 &🐬! Fill any 🕳️ you 🪏! Yes to ☀️🧴! Yes to fun! 🤩

📷: Benjamin Forbes w/ telephoto zoom

A sweet moment of a new little New Yorker & their parent at Fort Tilden. There’s several broods of young Piping Plover chicks along this beach & several beaches across Rockaway. Temporary beach closures work, they make all the difference for this endangered species & other fragile shorebirds.

And NYC Parks’ Rocky Piper met some good new friends too!

📷: Mel Julien

One of our favorite days is New York City Department of Parks & Recreation’s Celebrate Shorebirds each June - a time to celebrate & champion the diversity of shorebird species that call our beaches home! We had many great conversations with folks who live in Far Rockaway, Edgemere, Arverne & beyond!

📷: Chris Allieri w/ telephoto zoom, at a distance

It’s been a challenging season so far with a lot of nest loss & predation. Piping Plovers will keep at it, so we must too! And …. we do have some chicks who have been seen taking short flights 😊, like this not so little one seen yesterday at Breezy Point Tip ❤️

As always - no dogs on the beach at Tilden, Riis or Breezy Pt & NYC Parks beaches. Thank you as we work together to protect New York’s endangered species!

There is clear signage on site which should answer any questions, any more Tilden questions - please contact: National Park Service / Gateway.