photo courtesy of US Fish & Wildlife Service

How You Can Help

Have You Seen This Bird ?

The Canadian Wildlife Service and Manitoba Conservation are seeking assistance from the public to locate, monitor and protect the endangered Piping Plover. In 2002, there are only 10 nesting pairs in Manitoba, 2 of which are nesting at Grand Beach. Other potential nesting areas in the Grand Beach area include Patricia Beach, Beaconia Beach, Grand Marais, Stevenson Island, Lester Beach, Victoria Beach and Elk Island.

Similar in appearance, the Killdeer is often mistaken for the small, paler Piping Plover. Both birds can be found nesting on shorelines and in lightly vegetated areas.

Piping Plover Killdeer
  • size of a large sparrow
  • sand-coloured back & head
  • white underbelly & neck
  • orange bill & legs
  • one black band around the neck
    & one on the forehead
  • size of a robin
  • dark brown back & head
  • white underbelly & neck
  • black bill & legs
  • two black bands around neck
    & one on the forehead

If you see a Piping Plover in your area or know of a possible nesting site, please contact the Guardian Program Coordinator.