Nesting Season Good for Piping Plovers, Poor for Least Terns

The 2001 nesting season was a good one for the state and federally threatened piping plover. However, the state threatened least tern population did not fare as well as there was a marked decrease in productivity.

Piping plovers and least terns nest together on sandy beaches along the Connecticut coastline, but only a limited number of sites are available due to current shoreline development and recreational use. Every nesting season, the DEP Wildlife Division places fencing at plover and tern nesting areas to help protect the birds from predation and human-caused disturbance that decrease productivity. Piping plover nests are individually fenced, while entire nesting areas of least terns are roped off and posted with informational signs. Shorebird nesting success is greatly affected by predators, such as raccoons, gulls and domestic cats, that are attracted to beach areas by litter. Human disturbances also keep the birds off their nests, preventing them from attending young.

Thirty-two pairs of piping plovers nested along the Connecticut coastline during the 2001 nesting season, 10 pairs more than last year. The number of young that fledged (reached flying stage) remained the same as 2000 at 41. The consistent number of piping plover chicks fledged since 1986 is very encouraging and reflects the success of aggressive management by the Wildlife Division.

Each spring, attempts are made to locate and erect protective fencing around all piping plover nests. Thanks are extended to the two research assistants that worked on the project this field season: Robin Lemieux and Scott Johnson. Their positions were funded through federal aid from Section 6 of the Endangered Species Act and the Connecticut Endangered Species/ Wildlife Income Tax Check-Off Fund.

The number of least tern pairs nesting in Connecticut has declined steadily and dramatically over the last few years. In 1998, 447 pairs nested in the state. That number dropped to 335 pairs in 1999, 239 pairs in 2000, down to approximately 175 pairs in 2001. Although the number of young terns (26) that fledged (reached flying stage) remained the same as in 2000, that number is very poor. The productivity level is well below the 0.5 fledglings per pair needed to maintain a stable population in Connecticut. Due to the flight patterns of least terns, individual nest fencing is not an effective technique for protecting least tern nests. Consequently, beach walkers, anglers and dogs often disturb the nesting birds.

Written by Julie Victoria, Nonharvested Wildlife Program Biologist

Reprinted from Connecticut Wildlife, November/December, 2001

Home · Advocacy · Conservation · Biodiversity · Newsletter · Calendar · Education· Links
Email webmaster@menunkatuck.org
Last updated 18 September, 2004 .