American Oystercatchers with chicks

The end of spring also sees the American Oystercatchers nesting along the beach in Cape May Meadows. The beach is very popular with runners and walkers as it stretches from the end of Cape May through to the lighthouse in Cape May Point and then around the point. The Oystercatchers nest behind the protected areas of the beach but then feed along the ocean water's edge as do the Piping Plovers. Oystercatchers are fed by the parents throughout the summer while the Piping Plover must find their own food at the water's edge. The Piping Plovers are the smallest of the nesting birds followed by the Killdeer, Least Terns and then the Oystercatchers. First picture is Dad sitting on eggs with 2 newly hatched chicks by him (6/19). Picture 2 is Mom with 2 chicks (6/20). Picture 3 a different chick that would be about 10-14 days old (6/20). Then we have second Mom and chick again in pictures 4 & 5 (6/20).