Wild New Jersey Exclusive: Oystercatchers, terns and plovers at the Jersey Shore
The American oystercatcher in Belmar. Photo by David Wheeler.
It's summertime, when thousands head for the beaches of the Jersey Shore. But humans aren't the only ones enjoying the beaches. A number of species of shorebirds - including endangered species such as piping plover, least tern, and black skimmer - nest along the Jersey Shore's few remaining natural dune habitats.
Wild New Jersey's David Wheeler recently joined Todd Pover, who is leading a long-term study of beach nesting birds for Conserve Wildlife Foundation of New Jersey and New Jersey Fish & Wildlife, on a tour of three unlikely natural dune beaches on the state's highly developed Atlantic coast.
Belmar - known for its active nightlife and hordes of suntanners - also holds one of the few remaining least tern nesting areas along the north jetty near Shark River Inlet. The active terns dive-bomb anyone who gets too close to their fenced-in area, while oystercatchers explore the sand nearby. Long Branch's Seven Presidents Park offers shelter for piping plovers and least terns, as do the sea-walled beaches of Sea Bright.
All photos by David Wheeler, Edison Wetlands Association.
All photos by David Wheeler, Edison Wetlands Association.
Comments