Osprey and Piping Plover Nesting Seasons Underway
Like clockwork during the last week in March, the first Ospreys appeared at one of the small cluster of platforms overseen by the Lloyd Center on the Slocums (3) and Little Rivers (2). These unique raptors, or “Fish Hawks”, have a specialized fish diet and were the so-called “Buzzards” that led to the name of our large estuary, Buzzards Bay. DDT and habitat loss due to coastline development caused declines in nesting habitat, and the renowned osprey platform project was born. Built on salt marshes, the platforms are well suited to a species seeking a wide view from which to see fish activity. Nowadays a platform and the trademark nests built from sticks, mud, grasses, and various other oddities these master nest builders gather, are visible along most shoreline stretches in the bay.
At this point, pairs have eggs and hopes of producing offspring that will hatch in June. Adults not incubating eggs are on a lookout at a favorite perch, soaring above searching for fish in the estuary, or carrying more nesting material or a freshly caught fish meal. The arrival of Ospreys always provides a spark, but is just a prelude to the migration, and ultimately nesting season, featuring many more species.
This includes the endangered Piping Plovers, which also arrive in March and start nesting mid-late April. Like the Ospreys, plovers suffered habitat loss, but are inconspicuous and historically went undetected, compared to their counterparts the colonial terns which were studied intensively. While benefiting from the Migratory Bird Treaty Act of 1918, the plovers suffered from poaching that many other “nongame” birds experienced. This preceded the eventual onslaught of their habitat, as humans recreated on and developed their natural sandy coastal nesting areas, the beach.
Already existing in a hostile environment that features weather, high tides, and natural predators, endangerment status made official in the mid-1980’s was inevitable – as people, vehicles, and new predators attracted to trash left behind, moved in. Over time, fenced areas and predator exclosures around eggs provided refuge, and the plover population surged, but not without continued human disturbance and nest predation. Although the birds have come back, challenges persist to this day, as birds now occupy new, smaller beaches often closer to human use and predators than ever before.
As of May 16, seventeen pairs have nested or will soon lay eggs at Lloyd Center sites, which include West Island Town Beach (4), Nonquitt (5), Salters Point (3), Bakers Beach (1), Elephant Rock Beach Club (Cockeast Pond-2), Atlantic Beach Club (Richmond Pond-1) and Winsegansett Heights (1). Only three nests have been lost thus far, all in Fairhaven. On West Island one nest succumbed to the recent moon tide but the plovers have already re-nested in dune areas, while another nest was predated by coyote, an ongoing threat on the island. A Winsegansett Heights nest was recently abandoned, perhaps due also to coyote harassment. Including re-nests from these pairs and new nesting from late arriving pairs, the nesting season has only just begun. Also at Winsegansett, the American Oystercatcher pair which produced young last season, has a 3-egg clutch found on May 8, which hopefully will hatch again this year.
The coexistence of people and plovers is a success story, with any noncompliance often due to simply lack of awareness. As always, with summer beach season looming, we offer ways a beachgoer can help our cause in managing a species that’s still protected under federal and state laws.
The loose dog issue has been addressed, but remains a challenging issue on many sites. Owners often don’t realize that dogs can trample eggs in refuges unintentionally, potentially leaving the owner liable. On plover sites where dogs are permitted, dogs can be present, but owners must be vigilant in restraining them if needed. Folks will picnic and play sports near refuges on beaches which is fine, provided trash that would attract predators leaves the beach with them, and their Frisbee or ball doesn’t enter refuges, potentially harming birds or damaging nests. Once eggs hatch and hatchlings emerge, areas outside fencing are in play, as young birds are on the move. Resisting the urge to pursue (or handle) the hatchlings, and more strict dog control when hatchlings leave refuges, allows us to ensure the birds can feed, become “fledges”, and make the fall flight back south.
Most of all, during the April through August timeframe, if people take time to observe the birds’ behaviors, ask a plover steward questions, or simply comply with state and federal regulations, they can take an active role in this effort.
As always, we thank the public for their cooperation and interest, along with the various contractors and donors that help make this field season possible every year. Hope to see you on the beach!