NEWS FROM THE DELAWARE DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES AND ENVIRONMENTAL CONTROL
May 15, 2008
Vol. 38, No. 221
For more information, contact Matthew Bailey, Wildlife Biologist, Natural Heritage and Endangered Species Program, 302-739-9912, or Joanna Wilson, Public Affairs, 302-739-9902.
Five of Seven Piping Plover Nests on Cape Lost to Storm
DNREC Biologist Believes Plovers Likely to Re-nest
Ferocious winds and massive tidal surges wreaked havoc on the beaches of Cape Henlopen as a severe storm lashed the coastline on May 12. The overwashes at Gordon’s Pond were racing rivers and the low spots at the Point were turned into ponds.
Of the seven piping plover nests that had been found at Cape previous to Monday, five were flooded out or buried with sand.
“Two stalwart pairs of plovers are still incubating their clutches of eggs and it is possible that some of the buried nests will be dug out by the attending plovers,” said Wildlife Biologist Matthew Bailey.
In addition, an eighth nest was discovered at the Point, but sadly, the storm had wrecked the nest, leaving two broken eggs and a lone piping plover defending the area.
“The good news is, it is early enough in the season that we can expect that the pairs that lost nests to the storm will renest,” Bailey said.
For more information on piping plovers and volunteer plover monitor training, please contact Matt Bailey at 302-739-9912 or email matthew.bailey@state.de.us.
