NEWS FROM THE DELAWARE DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES AND ENVIRONMENTAL CONTROL 

April 14, 2008
Vol. 38, No. 157

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.

Volunteers Needed to Join the Piping Plover Monitoring Team

            Potential piping plover monitors interested in helping protect these tiny endangered birds’ nesting areas are invited to attend a training session at 10 a.m. Saturday, May 3 at Cape Henlopen State Park’s Biden Center in Lewes to learn more about plovers and other birds that nest on Delaware’s beaches.

Meanwhile, the piping plover breeding season is moving forward slowly but surely, as the birds return from their winter homes. “The recent bad weather has temporarily put the brakes on plover nesting, but the birds are sure to come back strong as soon as the weather becomes more spring-like,” said wildlife biologist and Piping Plover Team Supervisor Matthew Bailey.  

The training session will begin with refreshments and a slideshow, followed by a discussion of the ways that volunteers can help to ensure that our beachnesting shorebirds are given the peace and quiet they need to successfully rear their chicks, Bailey said. “Hopefully, we will have a mix of veterans and folks who are new to the program so we can share information about the program and the part that volunteers play in it,” he added.

Weather-permitting, the group will complete the session by going out to the Point at Cape Henlopen to view the shorebirds that will likely be out on the tidal flats feeding. Staff will have a few birding scopes and pairs of binoculars for use by the volunteers, but attendees are also encouraged to bring their own.

Advance registration for the training is suggested but not required, and all are welcome to attend the session. To sign up as a volunteer or for more information, please contact Matthew Bailey at 302-382-4151 or email matt.bailey@state.de.us.