In response to Chris Flood’s somewhat tongue-in-cheek remarks about the closure of the Point in Cape Henlopen State Park, I’d like to share some facts. In addition to the well-known piping plover referred to in the article, the Point beach also hosts nesting American oystercatchers and least terns. All three species are considered state endangered. The piping plover is also listed federally as threatened. All these species nest openly, laying their eggs directly on the sand. All three species have been monitored by DNREC for many years.
The nest and eggs are well camouflaged, and as was mentioned in the column, are subject to predators including foxes, gulls and crows. However, the damage potential from human traffic, especially given the difficulty of seeing the nests, eggs and chicks, is real. You could step on them; you could disrupt feeding, or cause the adults to abandon incubating eggs.
While not all three species successfully nest and fledge at the Point every year, the point of closing beaches is to give the birds a safe and quiet space. With increased development on the beach, the birds have fewer options. I am sure all the beachcombers can find enough open beaches in the area to satisfy their wanderlust.
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