As of this week have a total of 84 adults (41 pairs, 2 singles), 3 fledglings, 63 chicks, and 9 nests!

After today’s survey, I don’t think all chicks were seen; I believe we could have closer to 70 chicks. Some pairs are also inconsistently being observed. I even think there are still a few nests to be found, but they are likely in thick vegetation and are difficult to search for. Over the next week to week and a half, more chicks should be fledging!

Our first least tern chick was also spotted this week! It was able to walk around and even looked like it had some pin feathers. In addition to our main least tern colony (which contains at least 50 adults), more least tern adults were observed staging and foraging from mm 0.1 through at least mm 1.0, but I was not able to get a high count across this transect. I will keep an eye on these birds to see if they attempt to nest. 

A BIG thank you to our amazing plover wardens, outdoor rec. and visitor services staff, and Officer Gareth for working super hard over the course of this busy and hot holiday week to protect our beach and birds!

All the best,

Allie
Alexandra Pesano

Please note: The Featured Image was taken in the open area on the Parking Lot 1. There are two Piping Plover chicks in the open area. This photograph shows the value of a closed beach and the value of Plover Wardens!