Summary of Detroit is for Plovers | Detroit Zoological Society Blog:
Jessica Egerer, a Bird Department Zookeeper, narrates her experience at the University of Michigan Biostation in Pellston, Michigan, where avian professionals work on rearing piping plovers as part of a recovery initiative that began in 2003. In May, Jessica helped prepare the facility by cleaning, organizing, and setting up incubators and chick rearing equipment. She details how eggs are incubated, monitored via candling and weighing, and moved between incubators based on their developmental needs.
Upon returning in June, the process intensified with the collection of eggs due to issues like flooding or predation. After 23-25 days, chicks hatch, requiring careful monitoring and specific feeding. They are gradually transitioned to environments that mimic their natural habitat before being released in upper Michigan.
Jessica expresses pride in contributing to the program, which has increased Great Lakes piping plover pairs from 17 to 81, highlighting the dedication and cooperation among aviculturists in this conservation effort.
- Detroit Zoological Society’s involvement in Piping Plover conservation efforts at the University of Michigan Biostation
- Procedures and equipment used in the captive rearing program for Piping Plovers
- The process of monitoring and assisting egg development, including candling and weighing
- Field strategies for collecting and ensuring the safe transfer of Piping Plover eggs
- Techniques for rearing and preparing the chicks for release back into the wild
The conservation efforts for Piping Plovers, spearheaded by the Detroit Zoological Society at the University of Michigan Biostation, represents a beacon of hope for the dwindling population of this remarkable shorebird. Located beside Douglas Lake in Pellston, Michigan, a small brown building has been home to substantial advancements in avian conservation since 2003. By mid-2023, my colleagues and I spent considerable time at this location, contributing to essential activities geared towards the conservation and rearing of Piping Plovers.
Upon arriving at the station, our initial tasks included deep-cleaning the facility and organizing necessary equipment and medical supplies. Preparing incubators, brooders, and chick-rearing boxes was crucial to create optimal conditions for the beginning of the breeding season. The temperature for capacity breeding Piping Plovers must be meticulously regulated at 37.5 degrees Celsius and monitored closely. These parameters are crucial for the eggs to develop successfully. Consequently, several incubators operate under dry conditions to maintain low or no humidity, while others have chambers filled with deionized water to increase humidity.
Our tireless efforts include placing newly arrived eggs into incubators and daily monitoring to track their development. One of the fascinating aspects of our work is candling. This is a process where a powerful light source is shone through the eggshell to observe the embryo inside. As it develops, we can detect veins and observe movement, a visually rewarding experience. Pairing this with daily weighing, we account for the eggs’ weight loss due to moisture loss through their porous shells, ensuring the embryos inside are growing as expected.
Once eggs have been delivered to the station due to various environmental threats or human-caused disruptions, such as flooding or predation, they are carefully cataloged and monitored. Clutches of eggs are collected from their natural habitat and safely transferred to our facility through the collaborative efforts of field monitors and our team. This transfer process is vital in mitigating the risk of further loss and promoting embryo vitality.
Hatching typically occurs after about 23-25 days of incubation. Observing this moment is incredibly rewarding. Piping Plover chicks, classified as a precocial species, are up and running shortly after their initial resting period post-hatch. Occasionally, when chicks are unable to hatch naturally due to positioning issues within the eggs, we provide assistance. Using tweezers, a line is carefully created around the egg’s air cell to aid the chick’s exit without damaging the fragile egg.
As the chicks grow, daily weighing continues, and they are fed a diet rich in black worms, mealworms, wax worms, crickets, and mayflies. Interaction with the chicks is minimal, allowing them to develop natural behaviors crucial for their survival post-release. The rearing process includes placing them in boxes that mimic their natural beach environment, accompanied by beach sound recordings. Gradually, they move to larger pens with indoor and outdoor access, and eventually to a lakeside pen. This transition period, referred to as a soft release, allows them to practice essential survival skills like flying.
After nearly a month of growth and development, the young Piping Plovers are banded for future monitoring and released on the shores of upper Michigan. This process is carried out with precision to ensure their adaptation and survival in the wild.
Over the years, these dedicated efforts have resulted in the resurgence of the Great Lakes Piping Plover population from a mere 17 pairs to an encouraging 81 pairs. This significant increase showcases the effectiveness of the collaborative work and continued commitment to conserving this shorebird species. Engaging in this program has been a privilege, contributing to meaningful environmental stewardship and avian conservation. For those invested in wildlife conservation, the Piping Plover recovery initiative is a testament to what collective effort and dedication can achieve.
As the program continues to evolve, the Detroit Zoological Society remains committed to supporting and expanding the Piping Plover population. Sustained efforts from dedicated aviculturists, field monitors, and volunteers are essential to further this cause. Engaging local communities and raising awareness about the importance of Piping Plover conservation remains a priority, fostering a collective responsibility towards protecting and nurturing these delicate shorebirds for future generations.
The detailed narrative underscores the complexities and marvels of avian conservation, particularly within the scope of this influential iniative. The Detroit Zoological Society’s dedication, alongside other collaborating organizations, underscores the profound impact of intersectional efforts in wildlife preservation. Each small success in the program reflects a step forward in the broader objective of ensuring the survival and thriving of Piping Plovers in their natural habitats.
This journey stands as an emblem of hope and determination amidst challenges in wildlife conservation. It showcases the intricate blend of scientific expertise, detailed fieldwork, and unwavering commitment required to protect and rejuvenate the populations of endangered species. It also serves as an educational touchstone, inviting more people to become informed and involved in the cause. The program’s success story is a beacon of inspiration, illuminating the critical pathways through which wildlife conservation efforts can make substantial and lasting contributions to biodiversity and ecological balance.
