May 2, 2008
Vol. 38, No. 200

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. 

Stretch of Beach at Cape Henlopen
Closed to Safeguard Nesting Plovers

The first two piping plover nests at Gordon’s Pond Beach in Cape Henlopen State Park each have a full clutch of four eggs, with the parents-to-be defending their areas, and a third nest was found hidden amongst the sea shells and debris late in the afternoon on April 29, DNREC Wildlife Biologist Matthew Bailey announced late yesterday.  

To minimize disturbances to the tiny endangered shorebirds, a half-mile stretch of beach between the Observation Towers and the Herring Point crossover was closed to the public yesterday with signs, twine and PVC posts to mark the area.  

“Closing off plover nesting areas is an established protocol every year at Cape Henlopen, and this closing is in the typical area that beachgoers are accustomed to,” said Bailey, who serves as coordinator of the Division of Fish and Wildlife’s Piping Plover Protection Program. “This area will remain closed until the last of our plover chicks are fledged, usually in late August or early September,” he added. 

Meanwhile, out on the Point, another favorite spot for nesting plovers, two nests with two eggs each have been found, and at least two other pairs have staked out territories. Just this morning, a third nest with one egg was discovered. The Point’s nesting area has been closed to the public since March.  

Some other exciting news at the Point is that a two-egg American oystercatcher nest has been observed, with both adults defending their territory.    

For more information on piping plovers and volunteer plover monitor training, please contact Matt Bailey at 302-382-4151 or email matthew.bailey@state.de.us.