NYC Plover Project

Sunken Meadow State Park, Long Island Sound, April 18, 2026

This was my first time attempting to identify shorebirds. Most obvious was the Osprey nest with chicks. Watching them was a special treat. On the dunes, there was an area roped off to protect the Piping Plover and the Least Tern. As my husband and I were walking along the shoreline, a male Piping Plover ran across the dunes. I could barely see him! I later learned about NYC Plover Project whose mission is protecting these endangered birds on the beaches of New York City. The images are not a complete list of all the birds I saw today, but you can view my eBird Checklist to see the birds I saw today if you’re interested. The ocean, beach and salt marshes are going to open up a completely new world for me. I’m very excited!