FALMOUTH, Maine — A Maine-based wildlife conservation organization says a record number of piping plovers are nesting in the state so far this year.
The Portland Press Herald reported Sunday that Maine Audobon has spotted 100 pairs and 61 active nests in the state. Last year, the group found a record 89 nesting pairs and 175 fledged chicks.
The number of endangered birds have been increasing in recent years. Laura Minich Zitske, director of the organization’s piping plovers project, says she credits the population growth to partnerships between Maine Audubon and the state, as well as volunteers and towns who’ve been working to protect the birds.