May 27, 2010
Vol. 40, No. 179

For more information, contact Matthew Bailey, Wildlife Biologist, Natural Heritage and Endangered Species Program, 302-382-4151, or Joanna Wilson, Public Affairs, 302-739-9902.

First piping plover chicks of the season hatch on the Point

The first piping plover chicks of the 2010 season hatched yesterday on the Point, with all four chicks still nestled in the nest cup when first spotted. An observation this morning had the four chicks still very near the nest site, with both adults defending the new arrivals.

A second plover nest is expected to hatch on the Point any day now. The next set of hatches after that are expected within the next week. All five of the remaining plover nests at the Point are doing well, as are the two oystercatcher nests on the Point.

At Gordons Pond, plovers continue making scrapes in the overwashes, but no nests have been found yet. The oystercatcher nest at Gordons Pond is still being incubated and may hatch as early as this weekend.

For more information on beachnesters and monitoring efforts, please contact Wildlife Biologist Matthew Bailey at 302-382-4151 or email matthew.bailey@state.de.us.