Volunteers Needed for Observations of Piping Plover, Oystercatcher

Piping plover (Courtesy of Wikipedia)

Do you like long walks on the beach, with your binoculars? If so, then DNREC’s Natural Heritage and Endangered Species Program could use your assistance.

Volunteers are needed to help monitor Atlantic Coast and Delaware Bay beaches for the presence of beach-nesting birds. Two species of interest are the piping plover, an endangered shorebird, and American oystercatcher.

Piping plovers and oystercatchers have are already been spotted in Cape Henlopen State Park, Prime Hook National Wildlife Refuge, and in areas of Rehoboth Bay.

American oystercatcher (Courtesy of Wikipedia)

“Anyone who likes to walk on the beach and who owns a pair of binoculars can help. With a little guidance, the species of birds we are looking for can be easily identified,” said Matthew Bailey, wildlife biologist.

Beach-nesting birds have been seen in many traditional nesting sites, but the Heritage program still needs help from volunteers to cover unmonitored areas. Many state park and municipal beaches have not been checked for activity this season.

“We are hoping to check as many beaches as possible prior to the arrival of summer beachgoers. Early observations at these beaches may reveal patterns of beachnester use that might not be detected as summer crowds increase,” Bailey said.

For more information, please contact Matt Bailey at 302-382-4151 or matthew.bailey@state.de.us.