Cape Cod National Seashore 2023 Shorebird Monitoring and Management Report

Srubas, Kacey

doi:10.36967/2317830

Cape Cod National Seashore (CACO) plays a crucial role in the conservation of federally and state-listed shorebird species, including the piping plover (Charadrius melodus), least tern (Sternula antillarum), American oystercatcher (Haematopus palliatus), and common tern (Sterna hirundo). Monitoring efforts extended along over 50 miles of coastline from Provincetown to Eastham, Massachusetts, focusing on nesting and brood-rearing behaviors. For the piping plover, 143 breeding pairs were recorded, resulting in 245 nests containing 770 eggs; 97 nests hatched successfully, producing 141 fledglings and an average productivity of 0.99 chicks per pair. Nest losses were mainly attributed to predation and environmental factors, prompting the installation of predator exclosures around 117 nests. The least tern saw 196 breeding pairs with 15 chicks fledged, resulting in a low productivity of 0.08 chicks per pair, primarily affected by predation and human disturbances. Four pairs of American oystercatchers were observed, with productivity of 0.25 chicks per pair; losses were due to predation and abandonment. Two common tern pairs nested, but they were unsuccessful, yielding a productivity of 0.0. Additional focus on staging and migrating shorebirds revealed the presence of various species, including roseate terns, red knots, and semipalmated sandpipers, with observations noted from mid-July through October. This report describes the monitoring efforts implemented by Cape Cod National Seashore to assess the status of shorebird populations. Data collected on shorebird breeding numbers as well as the status of migrating birds are included. In addition, the report describes the management approaches implemented by Cape Cod National Seashore to protect at-risk species while continuing to provide beach access for visitors.

Cape Cod National Seashore 2023 Shorebird Monitoring and Management Report

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