Each spring, upon arrival from their Central and South American wintering grounds, Delaware beachnesters establish colonies and take part in courtship rituals. The birds lay their eggs in shallow nests scraped into the sand mostly between the dunes and the hightide mark. Within few hours of hatching, the chicks are able to run and swim. Feeding and brooding of the young is shared equally by both male and female beachnesters.

But many things interfere with successful breeding. Stormtides, excessive heat predators, domestic pets and human intruders often destroy nests. Disturbance of resting areas causes many adults to abandon their eggs and can prevent the proper nurturing of chicks.

Since individual colonies of beachnesters concentrate their efforts on only a few nesting sites a season, each breeding area is critical to the survival of a colony as a whole.

Be a friend to the beachnesters by respecting all fenced or posted areas for their protection.

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Show me all markers in:  Lewes, DE  |  Sussex County  |  19958  |  Delaware  |  United States of America

The Osprey
The Ever Changing Cape Henlopen
Delaware Breakwater Quarantine Station
Quarantine Station
German Submarine at Cape Henlopen
The Great Dune
The Cape Henlopen Lighthouse
Standing Guard
Delaware Breakwater East End Lighthouse
Breakwaters

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