As we reach the final stretch of the 2024 plover season at Parker River National Wildlife Refuge, the story of this summer has been one of both triumph and challenge. The journey of these delicate shorebirds, from hatching to fledging, has unfolded with unexpected twists, heartwarming successes, and a few tough losses.

Fledging Success Amidst Challenges

By early August, the plover season was in full swing, with 38 chicks having successfully fledged and just a few remaining on the refuge beach. Among the most notable milestones was the fledging of three large chicks from the northernmost nest at mile 0.1. These chicks, under the careful watch of their parent, took their first flights on August 2nd, marking their transition into fledglings. Their departure allowed for the reopening of the northern beach, moving the closure boundary down to mile 0.5.

However, the southern end of the beach told a more somber tale. The brood at mile 6.05, the youngest on the beach, faced a tragic loss when a Great Black-backed Gull, identified as banded individual 2E2, preyed on at least one chick. This gull, a long-time visitor from Appledore Island, brought a stark reminder of the challenges these young birds face. Despite vigilant monitoring, the remaining chicks from this brood have not been observed since the incident, leaving their fate uncertain.

Least Terns and the End of Nesting

The Least Tern population also saw its nesting season come to a close. Although some unfledged chicks remain, with an estimated six or more still on the beach, at least 13 have successfully fledged. The presence of these young terns added to the dynamic environment of the refuge, as both species continued their struggle for survival and growth.

Final Stages of the Season

As of August 15th, the beach has grown quiet, signaling the tail end of the season. Only five plover chicks remain, all over 30 days old, yet still not fully fledged. These chicks, now with most of their flight feathers in place, are nearing their time to take flight. Their remote location, between miles 2.5 and 4.0, has allowed for the reopening of the beach to the public on August 16th. The decision to open the beach was made with the confidence that these nearly fledged chicks would not face significant human disturbance in these final critical days.

Lot 2 remains the last area under closure, due to the presence of a large, but still unfledged, Least Tern chick. Once it fledges, this area will also be reopened.

A Season to Remember

This summer, Parker River has seen a total of 39 plover chicks fledged, with expectations that the final count will reach 44 as the remaining five chicks take flight. For the Least Terns, at least 14 have fledged, with the total potentially reaching 17 or more as the season concludes.

The success of this season is owed to the dedicated efforts of the Parker River Bio Team, Visitor Services, Law Enforcement staff, and the incredible volunteers who have tirelessly protected these shorebirds. Their work has been instrumental in ensuring the safety and success of these birds, making this season one of both growth and learning.

As we reflect on this summer, it is clear that the challenges faced by our shorebirds only highlight the importance of continued conservation efforts. Each fledged chick represents not just a success, but a step forward in the ongoing commitment to protecting these remarkable creatures..

Thank You

A huge thank you goes out to everyone who played a part in this season, from monitoring and protecting the birds to interacting with visitors and ensuring the beach was a safe place for both people and wildlife. It has truly been a great summer, and we look forward to continuing this important work in the years to come.

The 2024 plover season has been a testament to the resilience and beauty of these birds, and we look forward to seeing how the rest of the season unfolds. Stay tuned for more updates and join us in celebrating and protecting the incredible wildlife at Parker River National Wildlife Refuge.

The Friends of Parker River National Wildlife Refuge