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REUNITED AND IT
FEELS SO GOOD!
Two weeks ago, Wild Care staff received a message at 8PM about a Piping Plover chick from the Cape Cod National Seashore (CCNS), Newcomb Hollow Beach, Wellfleet. The 3-day old chick was washed over by the surf and was wet and laying down in the sand. The finder took the bird home and contacted us. Jennifer Taylor our Animal Care Coordinator, met the finder at Wild Care at 9PM to stabilize the chick.
The next morning, we were thrilled to see that the plover chick was bright and alert! With explicit permission from United States Fish and Wildlife Service and Massachusetts Division of Fisheries & Wildlife, we transported the chick to a CCNS Lead Biological Science Technician. Due to intense monitoring of Piping Plovers on the Seashore, they knew exactly where the chick's family was located at Newcomb Hollow.
We re-introduced the plover to its parents and 3 siblings. It was accepted immediately. We watched with teary eyes as the mother approached the chick and brooded it. A very moving experience to watch! As of this weekend, the chick was seen with its family.
The decision to capture and transport plovers requires a state or federal authorization. If you find a Piping Plover adult or chick that you believe is orphaned or injured, do not touch it. Chicks often lay flat in the sand for camouflage to help them hide from predators. If you believe the chick is in distress, or you do not see the parents, don't take matters into your own hands. Please back away and contact the following (see left).
We could not be more
grateful for this outcome.
Plover power!
Stephanie Ellis
Executive Director
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