POINT PLEASANT BEACH — Four species of migratory birds, two of which are considered endangered species, can be found building their summer homes north of Jenkinson’s Aquarium as they return for their fourth nesting season in Point Pleasant Beach.
The species of birds that nest at the site include the American oystercatcher, common tern, least tern and black skimmer.
New Jersey Fish and Wildlife has been collaborating with Jenkinson’s Aquarium to monitor the site.
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“They have been very good partners,” said Christina Davis, an environmental specialist with the New Jersey Fish and Wildlife. “We’re really lucky to have cooperation with them in helping us to make this site as successful as it is.”
A pair of American oystercatchers, which are territorial nesters, was the first to arrive this year to build their nest.
The pair’s first nesting attempt, however, was not successful, as it was lost to a predator, but they are trying again despite the complications of this past weekend’s coastal storm and high winds.
“All these birds will just keep trying until they run out of time and they have to migrate,” explained Ms. Davis, who oversees field sites from Sea Bright to Cape May.
She visited the Point Beach site on Wednesday, discovering that two eggs have been laid, with an additional one expected shortly.
The other species at the site are colonial nesters, noted Ms. Davis. “There will be hundreds of them when they show up,” she said.
The least terns are expected to arrive at the site next week with the black skimmers and common terns being the last to arrive each year, according to Ms. Davis. These species of birds will begin to nest in late May and early June.
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