The 2024 nesting season at Parker River National Wildlife Refuge was a monumental success! Building on a trend of growth, our plover population experienced another fantastic year, contributing to a record-breaking season for the entire state of Massachusetts.

By the end of the season, our team celebrated a total of 39 fledged plover chicks, with expectations that the final count would reach 44. This achievement is a result of the hard work of our dedicated staff and volunteers, and the incredible resilience of the birds themselves.

A highlight of the season was the sighting of a special banded plover, identified by a green flag 'EH8'. This bird, first sighted as a migrating adult on Ocracoke Island, NC, chose the Parker River Refuge as its new nesting home. The presence of this bird, and its nesting success, is a testament to the refuge's vital role in the recovery of this threatened species.

Thank you to all who respected the closed beach areas and gave these birds the space they needed to thrive. Your support makes all the difference!