The recent storms have caused significant damage/changes to the north shore area. Many dunes have been eroded or blown away, while in other areas, new dunes have appeared. It is hard to tell at this time, but it is expected to affect piping plovers on the island.

Officials with the Island Nature Trust say recent storm surges on P.E.I. may have harmed — or helped — the endangered piping plover.

Jackie Waddell, executive director with the trust, said the organization is eager to see how the storm surges have changed beaches where the birds call home.

"We could have lots of new piping plover habitat. We could have some completely destroyed, so that the beach is narrower, there's no room for plovers to nest in front of the dunes," Waddell explained.

P.E.I. sand shift affects piping plovers
http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/prince-edward-island/story/2011/01/03/pei-...