Several endangered bird species nest on the beach in the old South Cape May, now called the Meadows. Least Terns are one of three bird species that nest on the beach. The other birds that nest there are Piping Plovers and American Oystercatchers. Another species the Black Skimmer have been showing interest in nesting there but so far no eggs have been found or chicks seen.
Because they are endangered species there are special areas of the beach closed off to traffic from April 1 through August 30th so they can nest in the area. Sometimes they ropes have to be moved as the birds don't always get the boundaries quite right. The birds have the right of way which is good.
When the Least Terns males are interested in mating they bring the females small fish and perform a ritual dance before giving her the fish and doing the deed. Once the eggs are laid and Mom is on the nest, the males stand guard and when anyone comes close to the area fly aggressively at that person. They will dive bomb them and have been known to let loose bird poo. 2011's males wre not as aggressive as 2010's males.
Last year I wasn't lucky enough to see any chicks but this year I saw 3 in spite of the fact the Least tern's lost many of their chicks to Fish Crows.
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