In 2003, Delaware had five successful piping plover nests (all in Cape Henlopen State Park), which produced fourteen chicks reaching banding age. This is the highest chick count for Delaware, setting a record for productivity at 2.8 chicks/pair, since we began systematic monitoring in 1989. Although three least tern colonies were observed this year, only one colony (<15 pairs) survived long enough to produce chicks (number of chicks not known for certain).

Bald Eagles - In 2003, a record 31 nests were active, up from 29 in 2003. Thirty eagle chicks survived to banding age, which is a record for the state. Of the state's 31 nests, eight were located in New Castle County, eight in Kent County, and 15 in Sussex County. One nest tree was intentionally cut down, apparently after the young fledged in an area proposed for development. Reward funds totaling over $15,000 for information leading to an arrest were donated by private citizens, conservation groups, and realtors. The case remains under investigation.

Osprey Monitoring - In 2003, Delaware counted 283 nests statewide; 119 were active (had eggs or nestlings during the surveys) and 77 produced banding-aged chicks. Productivity (chicks/active nest) was 1.13 statewide.