This is just in! Take note if you want to join: Bird Police!
Be There or Be Eaten By an Osprey!
From:
Matthew Bailey
Wildlife Biologist
Natural Heritage and Endangered Species Program
(302) 735-8677 (office)
(302) 382-4151 (cell)
Beach-Nester Update April 12, 2010
The 2010 beach-nesting bird season has gotten off to a solid start. The Point at Cape Henlopen State Park (CHSP) was closed to the public on March 1st. During the first week in March, fencing at CHSP’s Gordons Pond and at Delaware Seashore State Park was erected to protect potential and known nesting areas.
For the past two weeks piping plovers have been seen regularly at both the Point and Gordons Pond. Most surveys have been conducted during or after times of high winds, so, it has not been possible to determine whether the plovers are making nest scrapes yet (the wind erases from the sand bird tracks and unmaintained nest scrapes).
American Oystercatchers have been seen regularly at the Point and also at Fowlers Beach on the Delaware Bay. Unfortunately, the high winds have made it difficult to determine if the oystercatchers have progressed to the nest scrape stage of their breeding season.
A date has been set for the annual volunteer orientation. Both new and experienced volunteers are invited to the orientation. At the orientation Matthew Bailey, Division of Fish and Wildlife biologist who coordinates the beach-nester monitoring and protection program, will report on outcomes of the 2009 breeding season and will discuss the types of activities that beach-nester volunteers can assist with. Matt will use a slide show to illustrate the information covered. Returning volunteers will be encouraged to share their impressions of their experiences working with the program and to offer advice to new volunteers.
The orientation will be held May 15 from 11am until 1pm at the CHSP Biden Center. Refreshments will be served and, weather permitting, Matt will lead a field trip to search for piping plovers and other shorebirds on the tidal flats at the Point.
Wildlife Biologist
Natural Heritage and Endangered Species Program
(302) 735-8677 (office)
(302) 382-4151 (cell)
matthew.bailey@state.de.us
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