Avian Diversity a Boon to Endangered Shorebirds

The endangered piping plover is making a comeback on Monomoy National Wildlife Refuge in Massachusetts.   

Monomoy Refuge’s Avian Diversity Program, launched in 1996, has successfully reduced the gull population from more than 20,000 to fewer than 5,506, according to the refuge’s 2007 census.  Gulls were crowding out and preying on the plovers as well as other endangered birds such as roseate terns, black skimmers and American oystercatchers.  Wildlife managers must help the birds “hit a homerun” in nesting success using what little habitat remains.  Development has largely replaced nesting habitat.

Wildlife managers achieved success with a multi-pronged approach, including vegetation management and predator control.  Additionally, Monomoy Refuge removed a food source for the gulls by changing from open pit disposal to incineration of garbage.

Piping plovers lead predators away from the nest by feigning a broken wing and staying just out of reach.