The first nest hatched May 29. That was the start of what is now being characterized as “an exceptional year at the restoration area” by Emily Heiser, senior zoologist with New Jersey Fish and Wildlife’s Endangered and Nongame Species Program, who is involved with the biological monitoring and management of beach-nesting birds at Barnegat Light.

“There are six pairs of piping plovers at the inlet/restoration area,” Heiser said on June 24.