Shorebirds, Horseshoe Crabs and Stewards…

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together on the Delaware Bay

by Larissa Smith, Wildlife Biologist/Volunteer Coordinator

Shorebird Steward Liz Hermosa shows beach visitors a clump of horseshoe crab eggs on Cook's beach.
Shorebird Steward Liz Hermoso shows beach visitors a clump of horseshoe crab eggs on Cook’s beach.

Once again migratory shorebirds, including the NJ endangered red knot, have returned to the Delaware Bay to feed on horseshoe crab eggs.  This annual phenomenon brings people from around the world to the Delaware Bay beaches.

Beaches are closed during the migration from May 7th through June 7th to protect the shorebirds from disturbance when feeding.  Just as the birds return each year so do volunteer Shorebird Stewards who educate the public about the beach closures , shorebirds and horseshoe crabs on nine beaches in Cape May and Cumberland County.  Now is a great to come out to the beaches to view shorebirds and crabs and say “hi” to the stewards.

This year the hot spots for shorebirds  in Cape May County  are Reed’s , Cook’s  and Kimble’s Beaches and  Fortescue in Cumberland County.

 

 

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