NEWS FROM THE DELAWARE DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES AND ENVIRONMENTAL CONTROL
June 5, 2008
Vol. 38, No. 265
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.
Piping Plovers Brave Bad Weather, Continue to Re-Nest
The recent stormy weather has not deterred two stalwart pairs of piping plovers from guarding their nests on the Point at Cape Henlopen State Park, Wildlife Biologist Matthew Bailey reported today.
“If all goes well, we expect their chicks to hatch by the last week of June,” Bailey said, noting other pairs at the Point are continuing to defend their territories and set up scrapes in preparation for re-nesting.
Meanwhile, at Gordons Pond, the southernmost nest has been exclosed, with hopes for a late June hatch date. The other two pairs at Gordons Pond that lost their nests to the May 12 storm are expected to re-nest in the near future.
“With the Atlantic coast piping plover census being this week, we have been very busy surveying and getting an accurate estimate of plovers in the park and surrounding beaches,” Bailey added.
In other beachnester news, a colony of least terns has formed on the Delaware Bay at South Bowers Beach. Several nests have been observed and a symbolic fence has been constructed around them to prevent heavy foot traffic and nest disturbance.
“Significant tern activity, including scrapes and defensive dives, has also been observed at the Point, so we are expecting a couple nests there any day now,” 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.
