Report from the Beach, 6/28/25

Piping Plover Update

So far this season, at least 46 pairs of piping plovers have nested at Long Beach. Most of the nests have hatched, however, there are still 13 unhatched nests. The late May nor’easter washed out many of the nests, including the ones near the Crossover, and most of the plover pairs renested. These second nests have just begun hatching, which, unfortunately, will extend the period when vehicle restrictions must be implemented to protect the chicks.

Piping plover chicks are precocial, which means they are mobile and able to feed themselves when they hatch. After the exhausting process of hatching out of their eggs, the chicks will rest for a few hours in the nest, and then they will leave the nest and begin foraging along the beach, from the dunes all the way down to the tidal flats. Once they leave the nest, which is just a small depression in the sand, they won’t return to it again. Vehicle restrictions are put in place to protect the chicks until they can fly, which can take up to 35 days.

Crossover Vehicle Access

This season’s opening was delayed due to damage from the late May nor’easter, but the Crossover opened for vehicle access on May 31. The current capacity is approximately 40 vehicles. Because of the delays in plover nesting and hatching described above, the Crossover has remained open into late June, however, the nests near the Crossover are nearing their hatch dates, and vehicle access will decrease over the next few days and then close several days later. Vehicle capacity over the Crossover will decrease to about 25 vehicles on June 28, decrease again to about 15 vehicles on June 30, and will close around July 3. The Natural Resources staff will be monitoring shorebird activity and will reopen the Crossover as soon as vehicle restrictions can be lifted. Check the Long Beach Information page for updates.

Ryder Way Access

In addition to the nesting activity over the Crossover, there are several areas where plovers and least terns are nesting along Ryder Way. Under normal circumstances, the state and federal guidelines for piping plovers and least terns would require that the road close to vehicles in the areas where unfledged chicks are present. However, the Town participates in the statewide Habitat Conservation Plan for Piping Plover, which allows some flexibility for vehicle access along the road when chicks are present. Because of this permit, vehicles are able to access the whole length of the road, parking lots and roadside parking areas, but with reduced hours. The Natural Resources staff monitors the location of the chicks and manages traffic if they approach or cross the road or parking areas.

There are currently 5 broods of unfledged piping plover chicks and 3 colonies with unfledged least tern chicks located from south of the Fishermen’s Turnaround all the way up to the Crossover. There are many more least tern nests along the road that will be hatching over the next few weeks as well as another piping plover nest near the Fishermen’s Turnaround that is expected to hatch around July 15.

Areas where unfledged chicks are present are marked with signs. When traveling through these areas, be alert to the possible presence of chicks and adult plovers in the road and stop to let them pass. If you do see chicks in or near the road, please notify the staff. If a take occurs (e.g., a chick is killed), the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service and Massachusetts Division of Fisheries & Wildlife may suspend use of the road and vehicle access will be limited to areas south of where the chicks are located, so please be cautious when driving through these areas.

Because the southernmost unfledged chicks are currently located south of the Fishermen’s Turnaround, the areas past the first cottage on the beach close to vehicles at 7:00pm, including for fishing access. There are plover and tern nests expected to hatch in this area in the next few weeks, and the night vehicle restriction will likely remain in that location into August. Any changes in nesting activity and vehicle access along Ryder Way will be updated on the Long Beach Information page.

July 4th Holiday Information

Long Beach will close at 7:00pm prior to the fireworks display on Tuesday, July 4^th. All areas of Plymouth Long Beach beyond the main parking lot (Manter’s Point) will be closed to both vehicles and boats. All vehicles and boats already on the beach will be required to leave by 7:00pm. This closure does not apply to property owners and their guests with appropriate passes, provided all vehicles belonging to owners and their guests are parked on private property. Please help us have a safe holiday weekend by following the rules and regulations found in the Plymouth Long Beach Rules & Regulations pamphlet.

Atlantic White Sharks

Atlantic white sharks can be present in our waters year-round, but as the water warms up in late summer into fall, white shark activity typically increases. Swimmers and paddlers should always be cautious whenever they enter the marine environment but should be especially vigilant during this time of the year. White sharks spend most of their lives submerged in the water and rarely surface, which can make it difficult to know when they are present. Some recommendations that can reduce the risk of an encounter with a white shark include: avoid swimming or paddling around dawn or dusk, avoid seals, limit splashing, and do not wear shiny jewelry. Check out the Atlantic White Shark Conservancy's website for some great information about white sharks in our area.

A flag system is in place at Plymouth Long Beach, Whitehorse Beach and the state boat ramp to alert the public of shark sightings. If an unconfirmed report is received, a yellow flag is raised, and swimmers should exit the water or use extreme caution if swimming. With a confirmed shark sighting, a red flag is used to indicate that beaches are closed to swimming. Follow the instructions of lifeguards and other Town staff. If you see a shark, report it immediately to Town beach staff, the Harbormaster Office at (508)830-4182 or 911.

More Information

More information about the Crossover and Long Beach can be found on the Long Beach Information page.

Information about other Town beaches and ponds can be found on the Beach & Pond Information page.