Protecting Northshore Widlife at the Parker River Refuge

By Hanna Pattie

Newburyport, Mass-  The Plum Island refuge in northern Massachusetts provides protection to coastal wildlife and a recreation site of most areas while the rest is closed to nesting birds.

            At the Southern tip of Plum Island, runs a stretch long of untouched beach and dunes. “The 77-acre park is considered one of the state's most beautiful and popular coastal beaches,” according to  the Department of Conservation and Recreation.

            The Parker River Wildlife Refuge, in coastal Newburyport, hosts more than 350 species of birds and the small shore bird, Piping Plover, is one of the most protected on the refuge. They are monitored heavily during nesting season. These birds have pale tan backs with a yellow beak and yellow long legs. They stand 6 to 7 inches tall and eat small aquatic invertebrates and insects.  Their habit of nesting on the ground has made them vulnerable, and as a result human disturbance has put them on the endangered species list.

            Refuge leaders take their duty of protecting these wildlife species seriously. They know it is their job in order to revive or at least maintain population of these piping plovers in the area.

            “The refuge closes most of the beach during nesting season to provide undisturbed habitat for these birds. Wire cages called enclosures are often placed around plover nests to protect them from fox, coyote and other predators.”(Parker River Wildlife Refuge)

            Lee Yeomans walks on the Plum Island refuge often, and appreciates the feeling of closeness with nature. She and her husband own fishing vessel Erica Lee II, and run a marine education camp called Coastal Discoveries, which runs out of Newburyport, Mass.

            “Last summer there was a pair of nesting plovers on the northern end of Plum Island, just before the south jetty.  The nests were fenced off, the eggs hatched and the babies seemed to be fine.  People were walking all around the area and some of us were able to take photos of the hatchlings,” Yeomans said.

            Serving as a safe haven for coastal birds and other wildlife, the refuge is also a popular recreational sit for those who want an escape from the hustle of life.

            “While I understand the efforts of the U.S. National Wildlife Service to keep the refuge primarily for birds, I think that since the refuge also is home to some of the most beautiful beaches on the East coast,” said Lee Yeomans.

            Stephen Hugel, 21, is a regular visitor to the Plum Island beach refuge and appreciates the refuges efforts. He recognizes the change the park is making with diminishing local species.

            "I think it is a great thing, because we need to save the endangered animals while we still can", he said.

                        The beach is open from dawn till dusk. Visitors must stay clear of any fenced areas on the property, in order to ensure protection of the wildlife.