We look forward to seeing many of you at next week’s
beach-nesting bird monitor trainings. Just as a reminder,
The new volunteer training is on
Tuesday March 25th, 6:30-8pm
https://audubon.zoom.us/j/97129899748?pwd=Yx449sS3ykf2p2fbHGLOfAPwZGHhSB.1
Meeting ID: 971 2989 9748 and
passcode: 091299
The returning volunteer training
is Thursday March 27th, 7-8pm
https://audubon.zoom.us/j/96272612954?pwd=FGDnaconrvwbbrY0U3t0yJfj989ydD.1
Meeting ID: 962 7261 2954 and
passcode: 775219
We will also be offering a field
training for new volunteers on Sunday April 13th from 1-4pm at
Sandy Point Beach and Bird Sanctuary (Beach Street, West Haven). This is a great opportunity to get firsthand
training from CT DEEP Wildlife Biologist Laura Saucier and Piping Plover and
Least Tern Research Assistant Rebecca Foster on beach-nesting bird biology and
behavior, monitoring technique, and what data to collect. Volunteer Coordinator Marissa Ardovino and I will
also be on hand with brochures, tee-shirts, badges, etc. Bring a notebook and
binoculars and dress for the weather
There are four other opportunities
in April to help beach-nesting birds.
First, in partnership with the Sandy Point Neighborhood Association and
the Stewards of Sandy Point Bird Sanctuary, we will be hosting a beach clean-up
at Sandy Point on April 5th (rain date April 6th),
starting at 10am. Trash can attract additional
predators (Fish Crows, raccoons, opossums) to beaches, threatening eggs and hatchlings.
The goal is to remove as much trash from Sandy Point as possible before the nesting
season begins.
We also could use your help during
three string fencing events.
String fencing is set-up on beaches in the area where birds typically
nest. The fencing (wood posts, string, colorful
flagging, and signs) alerts visitors to the beach that they are approaching a
nesting area. There are many ways to help from carrying and putting up fence posts,
to tying the string and flagging, to stapling signs to the fence posts. These dates can double as a good time to drop
off a CT DEEP liability form, pick up a badge/lanyard, and speak with staff
about monitoring.
- Long Beach, Stratford - Tuesday, April
1st, 10:00am (rain date Wednesday, April 2th, 10:00am)
- Bluff Point State Park, Groton - Thursday,
April 3rd, 10:00am (rain date Friday, April 4th, 10:00am)
- Sandy Point Beach and Bird Sanctuary, West Haven - Tuesday,
April 8th, 10:00am (rain date Wednesday, April 9th, 10:00am)
CT DEEP will make the final
decision if there is forecasted rain, and we will let you know ASAP if a
date is moved to the rain date. Griswold Point's fencing date will be provided
soon, too. Fencing has been/will be placed at Milford Point, Silver Sands, Long
Beach West/Pleasure Beach, and all other locations by staff only.
Any and all volunteers are welcome
to participate in string fencing including those who are not regular trained
AAfCW monitors. Volunteers should bring: work gloves, water, a snack,
appropriate footwear, sunscreen, sunglasses, hats and whatever else you may
need to avoid too much sun. These locations can either be quite cool or very
warm depending on the day so dress for any weather. A pocket knife or
multi-tool can be handy and a sledge hammer or mallet can be helpful to bring.
Plan for heavy lifting and toting, but be mindful of your safety. Less
intensive work includes stringing posts and putting up signs.
Let us know if you plan to
attend the field training, Sandy Point Beach Clean-up, and/or fencing events
using our online form. Thank you!
Corrie Folsom-O’Keefe, Director of Bird Conservation
--
Audubon Alliance for Coastal
Waterbirds
http://ctwaterbirds.blogspot.com
