ERIE, Pa. -- Plans to replenish sand at some Presque Isle State Park beaches are on hold until officials determine if an endangered bird will return this year.

The piping plover, a small bird about the size of a sparrow, was spotted on the island last year but has not been seen so far this year.

The state park typically brings in sand to replenish the island's beaches, but that can't be done in areas determined to be the bird's habitat. As a result, no new sand can be put down at three beaches until at least July 1.

The bird's nesting season is April 1 through Aug. 31. But it is safe to assume the birds will not be returning to the island if they are not spotted there by July 1, said Jennifer Dombroskie, a U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service biologist.

Sand on the other Presque Isle beaches is being replenished as usual.