Last of 2011 piping plover chicks fledged at Cape Henlopen

CAPE HENLOPEN (Aug. 22, 2011) – As of this past Friday, all of the remaining piping plover chicks at Cape Henlopen State Park have fledged, marking the conclusion of the 2011 breeding season. A total of eight piping plover chicks fledged in Delaware this year, all at Cape Henlopen.

“Although piping plover adults and fledglings are still present at the park, it is now difficult to determine which ones nested here in Delaware and which ones may be migrants coming in from another state on their journey south,” added Wildlife Biologist Matthew Bailey.

Many other species of migrant birds are being observed, especially on the Point. The most recent observations out on the Point included almost 500 terns with a mix of adults and juveniles. Tern species represented were common terns, least terns, royal terns, Caspian terns and even a few Sandwich terns. A host of shorebirds are also using the Point as a resting and feeding site.

The ocean side of the Point is due to be opened to the public on Thursday, Sept. 1 and the bay side will be opened Saturday, Oct. 1.

Seabeach amaranth surveys are continuing. Two of the rare plants have been found so far at Cape Henlopen. One plant was found at Gordon’s Pond and the second was at Navy Beach.

“The Navy Beach discovery is especially exciting because amaranth hasn’t been found there for at least the last 10 years,” said Bailey.

Amaranth surveys were scheduled for Saturday, Aug. 20 at Delaware Seashore State Park and for the Point at Cape Henlopen this week. The Point survey will mark the completion of the second round of amaranth surveys. A final round will be conducted in early September. Although the plants can be present on the beach into October, it is rare for new plants to sprout after mid-September.

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.

Vol. 41, No. 322