Press Release

Citizens United to Protect the Maurice River and Its Tributaries, Inc.
June 4, 2008
For more information call Jane Morton Galetto at 609-774-5853

 

Citizens United members have been feeding the shorebird scientists who study the migrating shorebirds that feed on our horseshoe crab eggs!

Each year ornithologists and biologists come from around the globe to assist New Jerseyís Endangered and Nongame Species Program biologists in studying the migration of shorebirds and spawn of horseshoe crabs. Migratory shorebirds come to the shores of Delaware Bay each spring, from as far south as the tip of South America, to feast on horseshoe crab eggs. Annually, shorebirds fatten up on crab eggs deposited in the sands to complete the next leg of their journey to Arctic breeding grounds. Some birds nearly double their weight before forging onward. They arrive at the shores of Delaware Bay exhausted and depleted of all fat stored, and often have lost muscle as well.

Scientists monitor the population of a number of shorebird species as they pass through the Delaware Bayshore Region to assess the health and viability of each species. Making weight is critical to successful reproduction in the Arctic.

Many different conservation groups and volunteers get involved in a variety of activities to help protect the shorebirds while they are visiting our region. But one group plays a unique role in these protection efforts. Our local conservation organization, Citizens United to Protect the Maurice River and Its Tributaries, Inc. (CU), has taken on the role of Hosting the Scientists.

Not only are the birds coming from exotic places but so are the scientists: Australia, New Zealand, Chili, Argentina, Peru, England, Canada, Belize and many other nations are represented. A team of volunteers from Citizens United hosted the visiting scientists from May 11 to June 2, 2008. In fact about 40 members took them hiking, owling, kayaking, sailing on the AJ Meerwald, making paper weights at Wheaton Arts, touring rivers, observing our osprey colony and the like. Members made over 650 meals and an untold number of leftover lunches. Overall their efforts accounted for more than 350 hours of membersí time. On Memorial Day weekend, CU volunteers, foreign visitors, and NJ- and Delaware-based scientists were treated to a day of fun: a bird/botany/butterfly hike in the a.m., kayaking in the afternoon, a 250 lb. pig roast in the evening with 120 persons attending, and finally a campfire with music and singing.

Meals prepared and donated by members included local fare like crabs and spaghetti, home-made sausage/salami and wild game as well as some All-American favorites like a typical Thanksgiving dinner. There were vegetarian cooks, meat lovers, fish fryers and a true professional from Luciaís Restaurant, to name a few. People from all walks of life pitched in for a real variety of foods.

Not only do CU volunteers host meals, but they also help with the banding and data collection when the shorebird team needs assistance.

This week most of our well-fed foreign visitors have migrated to their home grounds and soon the shorebirds will travel onward as well. CU President Jane Morton Galetto said, ìThankfully, the scientist did not double their weight like the shorebirds, but a couple remarked that they had added a bit about the waistlines. Our members really enjoyed interacting with the scientists and showing them some real USA hospitality! I couldnít be more proud of our organizationís efforts.î