FACTORS AFFECTING PIPING PLOVER PRODUCTIVITY ON ASSATEAGUE ISLAND

We studied piping plovers (Charadrius melodus) on Assateague Island (Md., Va.) in 1986-87 to estimate population size and to identify factors affecting productivity. Fledging rates (0.19-1.11 chicks/pair) appeared to be lower than the level necessary to maintain a stable population. Fifty-four percent of the nests were unsuccessful. Predators accounted for most (91%) of the known causes of nest losses. Only 1 nest (2.2% of losses with known cause) was lost due to direct human destruction, and we found no evidence that suggested recreational disturbance was a factor affecting productivity. Mean chick fledging success was 69% for broods foraging at bay flats or tidal pools and 19% for broods foraging on ocean beach (P < 0.05).