They feed on tiny crustaceans and insects such as fly larvae and beetles. The chicks must eat enough to triple their weight in the first two weeks of life. Shelly beach with a well-camouflaged piping plover some distance away on its nest. Piping plovers, like their eggs, are camouflaged against the background of the beach. This helps to protect them from predators.
Foxes prey on piping plover eggs and chicks.
Dogs, cats, raccoons, and skunks are other plover predators. Unleashed dogs and outdoor cats are a particular problem for piping plovers. Like many plover predators, gulls are attracted to the beach in increased numbers by the garbage that humans leave behind. A crowded beach in summer. As spring moves into summer, crowds of people come to beaches to enjoy summer recreation.