Shorebird eggs and nest destroyed in New York, feds offer rewards for leads

Editor’s note: This article describes the destruction of nests and eggs of protected and vulnerable bird species. It may not be suitable for some readers.

The National Park Service (NPS) and the US Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) are offering a reward of up to $5,000 for information leading to the conviction of the person or persons responsible for the intentional destruction of even one American Oystercatcher egg in bordered by the Breezy Point Co-Operative and the National Park Service Gateway National Recreation Area Breezy Point Unit, in Rockaway Point, New York.

An August 8 News release The reward money announcement also says the USFWS is offering a reward of up to $5,000 to eligible individuals for information that significantly advances investigations and/or leads to enforcement actions for those person responsible for the following instances of destruction of American Oystercatcher and Piping Plover eggs and nests in New York City and Long Island this breeding season:

• Between 1 pm May 13 and 10 am May 15, 2022, approximately 57 American Oystercatcher eggs and four Piping Plover eggs were taken from their nests between Beach 38 and Beach 57 at the New York City Parks ocean beach in Arverne, Queens. A blue hooded sweatshirt with a star pattern was discovered at the site next to a broken American Oystercatcher eggshell.
• On May 15a dead Piping Plover adult was found on Beach 47 at both New York City Parks ocean beaches in Arverne, Queens.
• On or about May 20two American Oystercatcher nests were disturbed at Beach 64 in Arverne, Queens.
• Between May 23 and 24a Piping Plover nest and its surrounding predator exclosure were intentionally destroyed on a New York State Parks ocean beach at Robert Moses State Park in Babylon.
• On June 11, protective fencing was destroyed, and individuals were observed pitching tents within the Piping Plover breeding areas at Beach 56.5 in Arverne, Queens. Three (3) Piping Plover eggs are missing from a nest after this event.
• Between June 11 and 14two Piping Plover nests and predator exclosures were intentionally destroyed on a New York State Parks ocean beach at Jones Beach State Park in Wantagh.
• On June 26released dogs were observed and eggs from a Piping Plover nest were taken within a protected Piping Plover breeding area on a seashore in the Town of Southampton, just east of Shinnecock East County Park.

Contact information

American Oystercatchers are protected under the federal Migratory Bird Treaty Act. The maximum penalty under this law is $15,000 and/or up to six months in prison for taking each egg. While the date and time of the Breezy Point incident is unknown, the damaged egg(s) were discovered on July 6, 2022, at approximately 6 pm. Anyone with information about the incident is asked to contact either USFWS Special Agent Kathryn McCabe at (516) 318-7383; the NPS Jamaica Bay Unit 24-hour dispatch at (718) 354-4700; or 1-844-FWS-TIPS (397-8477).

The Piping Plover is protected as a threatened species under the federal Endangered Species Act (ESA). The maximum penalty under the ESA is a fine of $25,000 and/or imprisonment of up to six months for the taking of each egg or individual bird. Anyone with information about the incidents listed above is asked to contact USFWS Special Agent Kathryn McCabe at 516-825-3950, or 1-844-FWS-TIPS (397-8477).

How you can help shorebirds

With ever-growing demands on our beaches, there are fewer places for shorebirds like the American Oystercatcher and Piping Plover to raise families, feed, and rest. The USFWS and NPS work with partners to protect and recover these species on public and private lands, but the public can help, too, by being mindful of the needs of shorebirds when visiting the coast. Here are five ways to make the beach more inviting for birds:

1. Follow all posted rules. By respecting posted areas, knowing what you can and can’t do on the particular beach you’re visiting, and understanding that beaches are home to birds, you can help keep them safe.

2. Give the birds space. Flushing birds when they are trying to eat or rest stresses them out and prevents them from feeding their chicks or refueling for their long flight.

3. Follow posted rules about keeping dogs on a leash. Even good dogs scare shorebirds. A curious dog may accidentally injure a bird.

4. Do not leave trash on the beach, including food waste. This attracts predators, such as raccoons, which prey on the chicks and eggs.

5. Do not feed the birds. The gulls are especially attracted to your lunch. Our food is not part of their natural diet, and more gulls could increase disturbance to some of the endangered species that agencies are trying to protect.