Contact: Marnie Pepper, Delaware Natural Heritage and Endangered Species Program, phone: (302) 653-2880
 

Division of Fish and Wildlife Seeks Recruits for Piping Plover Patrol

Piping plovers will be returning to Delaware’s beaches and dunes in coming weeks and Marnie Pepper, a Division of Fish and Wildlife environmental scientist and primary plover monitor, is already looking for ways to help the federally threatened species maintain its tenuous toe-hold in the state, and hopefully make some headway.

After a disappointing 2004 season, with only eight chicks fledging from the seven nesting pairs at Cape Henlopen State Park, Pepper is recruiting a piping plover patrol to help her protect the nests and chicks from human disturbances and to help educate the public.

“Last year there were 18 volunteers and they were a huge help,” Pepper said. She has scheduled this year’s volunteer training for 9:30 a.m. April 9 at Cape Henlopen State Park’s Biden Center. “People who are interested can call me to sign up at the Delaware Natural Heritage and Endangered Species office at 302-653-2880, on my cell phone at 302-382-4151, or by e-mail at Margaret.Pepper@state.de.us.”

The Point at Cape Henlopen has been closed since March 1, as it is every year, to give plovers and other beach-nesting and foraging birds the best possible chance at reproductive success.

“As the birds arrive and begin their courtship rituals and choose nesting sites, we will be monitoring their activities,” Pepper said. “Once they start laying eggs, we may have to close other stretches of the beach to protect the difficult-to-see nests from disturbance.” Last year, in addition to the nests at the Point, there were nests at the park’s Gordon’s Pond area. In past years, plovers also have nested at Delaware Seashore State Park.

Until all the eggs are hatched and the chicks are able to survive on their own, the state’s Piping Plover Recovery Program needs volunteers to assist in protecting the nesting areas, to report threats to the birds, and to inform beachgoers about the designated areas.

“The work can be very rewarding,” said Pepper. “Volunteers will have the opportunity to positively impact nesting success for piping plovers in Delaware.”
The small sand-colored shorebirds are very sensitive to disturbances, Pepper said. “Although we fence the closed areas and post signs, too many people and/or their dogs still enter nesting areas. When they do, they can harm the birds by stepping on eggs, causing adults to flush off nests, and interrupting feeding. Well-fed, healthy birds have the best chance of survival and reproduction.”

Volunteers should be able to walk to monitoring stations on the beach, up to a quarter of a mile from parking areas.

 

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