Piping plovers have been spotted at Second and Third beaches, marking the 23rd consecutive year the federally protected shorebirds have returned to #MiddletownRI. Make sure to use extra care when walking the beaches and keep all dogs leashed.
PIPING PLOVERS RETURN TO MIDDLETOWN
MIDDLETOWN, RI (MAY 5, 2025) – Piping plovers are back for another season at Second and Third beaches.
Town officials were notified recently that more than half a dozen of the federally protected shorebirds have been spotted at both summertime hotspots, flitting along the water’s edge while looking for food.
This marks the 23rd summer in a row plovers have been in Middletown, something Operations & Facility Manager Will Cronin said was a good sign.
Cronin asked everyone who visits both beaches to be aware of the presence of the plovers. He also reminded everyone to leash their dogs when walking at the beaches and to be extra cautious, especially when walking along the eastern end of Second Beach.
“They feed on the wrack line, the area of the beach where the seaweed is left by high tide, so the plovers can be found along the entire beach, but they seem to enjoy the east side of the beach, closest to the Sachuest Point National Wildlife Refuge,” Cronin said. “Plovers are an indicator that our beaches are in good condition and make a welcoming nesting habitat.”
Asked what’s being done to protect the plovers, Cronin said the US Fish and Wildlife& Wildlife Service (USF&W) was taking the lead. The USF&W oversees the Sachuest Point refuge.
“US Fish & Wildlife rope off a section of their property on Sachuest Beach and a section of Third Beach near the Town Beach parking lot, allowing the birds to nest undisturbed,” Cronin said. “The town alters its maintenance plan to limit the impact on the birds during their nesting season. Dog walkers are reminded that there is a leash law and dogs should stay on leash and out of roped off areas.”
Those looking to volunteer or help out with plover monitoring were asked to drop in at the Sachuest Point Visitors’ Center at the end of Sachuest Point Road. For more about plovers, visit https://mdl.town/Plovers online.
“We’ve had plovers at our beaches for more than two decades now, so they’re a familiar sight for a lot of people,” Cronin said. “Still, it’s important to remind everyone to keep an eye out when you’re at the beaches, especially the plover chicks. Give them plenty of space and be sure to carry out any trash you brought with you.”
Plovers were almost hunted out of existence in the last century, desired for their soft feathers to use in women’s hats and headwear at the time.
Aware of the steep decline in their population, the federal government stepped in and instituted protections for piping plovers, causing their numbers to grow.
There hadn’t been a confirmed sighting of a plover on Aquidneck Island for more than 50 years until 2002. That’s when plovers were spotted on the rocky eastern section of Second Beach, sending shockwaves through the region’s birding community.
Every spring since, the plovers have returned, with USF&W roping off their designated nesting zone and posting signs warning of severe penalties for interfering with their habitat.
“Thankfully every spring we get word from Fish & Wildlife that the plovers are back and how they’re doing,” Cronin said. “That’s good news for a lot of us and shows we’re doing it right here providing a good environment for wildlife along with a diverse habitat.”
Document Link: https://mdl.town/NYCU-Plover-25
About Middletown
The Town of Middletown is a vibrant municipality located on Aquidneck Island, known for its scenic beauty, historic landmarks, diverse economy and strong sense of community. For more information about all we have to offer, visit MiddletownRI.gov online.
Media Contact
Matt Sheley
Public Affairs Officer
401-842-6543
msheley@middletownri.gov