Piping Plover: Kennebunk, Maine, USA, June 2026 — On many of our York County beaches right now, you will encounter nesting piping plovers (and perhaps their chicks). Piping Plovers are listed as endangered in Maine, and their nesting areas are protected. I discovered a while ago now that if, out on the open beach, beyond the protected area, you encounter one—if you stop before the birds show any alarm and stand still—the plovers will come to you. They are not necessarily wary of you so much as they are curious. It certainly seems like they are wondering what you are. This time I took a little folding stool with me and sat down. This plover came within 3 feet of me, close enough so he had to look up at me. More than aware—in wonder. 🙂 (And so was I!) I sat there until the plover moved away before I stood and picked up my stool to move on. Sony a6700. Sigma 16-300 Contemporary at 450mm equivalent (full frame). Program with bird and wildlife modifications. Processed in Photomator.