NEWS FROM THE DELAWARE DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES AND ENVIRONMENTAL CONTROL
May 9, 2008
Vol. 38, No. 208
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.
Two New Piping Plover Nests Bring Total to Seven at Cape Henlopen
Two more piping plover nests were spotted this week at the Point in Cape Henlopen State Park, bringing the total for the season thus far to seven nests.
As of today, all but one of these nests have been exclosed to predators. “All of the birds were very cooperative during the exclosure process and displayed very good signs of defense, including broken-wing displays and peeping to draw attention away from the nests,” said DNREC Wildlife Biologist Matthew Bailey.
Beach Plum Island Nature Preserve, Delaware Seashore and Fenwick Island State Parks have all been surveyed for beachnesters this past week. No sign of nesting has been seen at these locales.
In other beachnester news, three least terns – the first of the season - were seen May 7 feeding just offshore at Gordon’s Pond. No sign of nesting activity has been observed thus far.
Unfortunately, the American oystercatchers have lost their nest at the Point. “No sign of any struggle or predation was evident, but the nest and eggs are missing. The pair is still hanging around the Point so it is still possible that they will hopefully re-nest in the area,” 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.
