A piping plover nicknamed "Nomad" is back is its natural habitat after a coordinated rehabilitation by the Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control (DNREC), U.S Fish and Wildlife Service, and Tri-State Bird Rescue & Research .

"Nomad," who was banded at Assateague Island National Seashore in 2023, was found on June 30, 2025, unable to fly or walk.

Officials said the bird had suffered no obvious signs of trauma, but is believed to have had a high stress incident, possibly suffering muscle damage, from an extended pursuit by a predator.

After a rehab stint at Tri-State's Newark facility, "Nomad" was deemed healthy enough to be returned to Fowler Beach where he's nested since 2024.

Piping plovers are federally-listed as a threatened species and as a Spec

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