This spring, our beloved Piping Plovers returned to the shores of the Parker River National Wildlife Refuge, marking the start of another exciting nesting season. Early arrivals in April gave us a promising start, with biologists thrilled to find 23 active nests by mid-May. Our team worked tirelessly, installing protective exclosures to shield the most vulnerable nests.

However, the season brought a major challenge in late May when a powerful nor'easter swept through, causing extensive flooding and overwash that tragically washed out most of the nests. The morning after the storm, we were down to just a single active nest, a difficult blow for our team and the birds.

But Piping Plovers are a testament to nature's resilience. Our team immediately began repairing fencing and looking for signs of re-nesting. Our hopes were rewarded in early June when we discovered that 12 pairs had successfully re-nested!

This incredible rebound led to a wave of new life in July. We were overjoyed to report 43 new chicks actively exploring the beach, with four of them already fledged and taking their first flights. This season has been a powerful reminder of how these birds can adapt and thrive, even after significant setbacks. We thank you for your continued support in helping us protect these remarkable birds.