Bluff Point fencing removal completed

On Thursday, August 29 the Audubon Alliance for Coastal Waterbirds and CT DEEP completed the string fencing removal at Bluff Point State Park with the help of always wonderful volunteers. Bluff Point has a very long stretch of beach. Even driving to the shore in CT DEEP vehicles means this is a long hike carrying very heavy equipment. This is all what makes it such great habitat for our coastal waterbirds in every season. Once again here are some photos taken by Patrick Comins in between walking and hauling stakes.

 Beautiful Bluff Point

 Quite a stretch of beach - great habitat for Piping Plovers, Least Terns, and more

 Our team beginning the long walk out

A gray day but still quite a sight - note the Piping Plover exclosure on the left

 

The crew heading back with some of the materials

You never know what you'll find on a Connecticut beach like this Special Concern species Hairy-necked Tiger Beetle, Cicindela hirticollis

That beetle just goes to show how much is out there in these rare or specialized habitats and why we need to protect them on levels even beyond our birds. Thanks to the volunteers who were able to make it out to Bluff Point to help save some walking, carrying and time. We could not do any of this work without you!


Audubon Alliance for Coastal Waterbirds, Audubon Connecticut and the Connecticut Audubon Society partnering to improve conditions for coastal waterbirds in Connecticut.

Joint Shorebird Identification Workshop

The Audubon Alliance for Coastal Waterbirds recently teamed up with the Connecticut Ornithological Association for a shorebird identification workshop at the Connecticut Audubon Society Coastal Center at Milford Point. It was a beautiful morning at one of the best sites in the state to see shorebirds. Apart from the many attendees there were many, many shorebirds to pick through plus dozens of long-legged waders hanging around. Here are some shots from the event by Patrick Comins.

Can you pick out all the shorebird species in the above photos? Sessions like this one really help both new and veteran birders sharpen their skills as the birds are lined up almost as they would be in a field guide. Observing them with spotting scopes is a superb way to get "up close" looks without disturbing them in the slightest. Note that everyone was on the beaches of Milford Point and did not even have to walk down to the bar and risk flushing any to enjoy their views. Our thanks to everyone who came out to learn more about these often rapidly declining species. We will keep on doing our best to help them during every season of the year.


Audubon Alliance for Coastal Waterbirds, Audubon Connecticut and the Connecticut Audubon Society partnering to improve conditions for coastal waterbirds in Connecticut.

AAfCW 2013 Volunteer Update #22

This is the twenty-second weekly update by the Audubon Alliance for Coastal Waterbirds (AAfCW) for the 2013 season. Today's update includes reports of Piping Plover, American Oystercatcher, and Common Tern from August 19 through 4:00 p.m. on August 26 with sightings of birds by volunteers and staff spanning that period.

Informational updates:

Thank you to everyone who joined us at Sandy/Morse Points for string fencing removal last week! Two fencing removal dates are coming up this week:

Thursday, August 29th at 10:00AM - Bluff Point in Groton
Friday, August 30th at 9:30AM - Griswold Point in Old Lyme (meet at exit 70 park and ride and carpool to beach)

It will be rain or shine, but any thunderstorms will postpone them. Assisting not only helps AAfCW but it also greatly aids those at CT DEEP and The Nature Conservancy who have extremely limited time, and it limits the stress on the birds. Please remember that taking down fencing in August can be physically demanding because of the heat and humidity, and those who join us should remember a few things:
-wear sunscreen
-drink plenty of water or sports drink
-do not attempt to carry too many stakes, there are enough volunteers so that no one should overexert themselves
-anyone who needs to limit physical exertion should stick to winding up string rolls
-take as many breaks as needed

If you are planning to go and haven't told us yet please email us, thank you! Finally, as indicated above there were no sightings of Least Tern in the last week.

Survey and monitoring updates:

Piping Plover
2 fledglings at Sandy/Morse Points on 8/17
1 fledgling at Sandy/Morse Points on 8/19
1 juvenile at Bluff Point on 8/20
2 fledglings at Sandy/Morse Points on 8/20
3 juveniles at Milford Point on 8/21
3 juveniles at Milford Point on 8/21
3 juveniles at Milford Point on 8/21
1 juvenile at Sandy/Morse Points on 8/24
7 juveniles at Sandy/Morse Points on 8/26

American Oystercatcher
1 pair, 1 juvenile at Salt Island on 8/19
3 pairs, 1 juvenile at Menunketesuck Island on 8/19
1 pair, 1 adult, 1 juvenile at Duck Island on 8/19
2 pairs, 2 juveniles at Milford Point on 8/19
1 adult at Griswold Point on 8/19
2 adults at Bluff Point on 8/20
5 adults at Sixpenny Island on 8/20
1 adult at Griswold Point on 8/20
1 pair at Umbrella Island on 8/21
1 pair at Kelsey Island on 8/21
1 pair at Green Island Branford on 8/21
2 adults at Milford Point on 8/21
1 pair at Milford Point on 8/21
1 pair at Sandy/Morse Points on 8/25
1 pair at Griswold Point on 8/25

Common Tern
1 adult at Griswold Point on 8/18

This concludes update #22 through 8/26/13 as of 4:00 p.m.


Audubon Alliance for Coastal Waterbirds, Audubon Connecticut and the Connecticut Audubon Society partnering to improve conditions for coastal waterbirds in Connecticut.

Fencing removal completed at Sandy/Morse Points

Our thanks to the latest volunteer crew who teamed up with staff to remove string fencing and exclosures from Sandy/Morse Points in West Haven last week. As always the extra hands make the work get done all the quicker. This allows for less disturbances on any lingering target species and for any migrants who have made their way to Connecticut. It also helps CT DEEP and their dedicated and tremendous but taxed staff save time for more work on Connecticut's wildlife.

If you can help out next week for fencing removal at Bluff Point on 8/29 at 10:00AM or Griswold Point on 8/30 at 9:30AM please email us to let us know. Thanks again to all!


Audubon Alliance for Coastal Waterbirds, Audubon Connecticut and the Connecticut Audubon Society partnering to improve conditions for coastal waterbirds in Connecticut.

Griswold Point fencing removal

Would you like to help out The Nature Conservancy in removing string fencing and signage from Griswold Point? The Audubon Alliance for Coastal Waterbirds is looking for any volunteers to assist our combined field staffs in this work at Griswold Point on Friday, August 30. We will be meeting at 9:30AM on the I-95 exit 70 park and ride and carpooling down to the shore from there.

Please remember that taking down fencing in August can be physically demanding because of the heat and humidity, and those who join us should remember a few things:
-wear sunscreen
-drink plenty of water or sports drink
-do not attempt to carry too many stakes, there are enough volunteers so that no one should overexert themselves
-anyone who needs to limit physical exertion should stick to winding up string rolls
-take as many breaks as needed

Please email us if you can make it at ctwaterbirds@gmail.com, thank you!


Audubon Alliance for Coastal Waterbirds, Audubon Connecticut and the Connecticut Audubon Society partnering to improve conditions for coastal waterbirds in Connecticut.

Flagged Semipalmated Sandpipers found

Cynthia Ehlinger sent us the following information about a great recent sighting and then a terrific second one:

"Aug 10, 2013  10:40 - 10:50 am, near low tide
Yellow Flag PA7 Semipalmated Sandpiper feeding in a small flock of 1 Least and 2 additional Semipalmated Sandpipers at Greenwich Point Park "

Take a look!

Cynthia had already reported the banded bird and we asked her to send us the information she received back on it. During this wait she saw the bird a couple more times:

"Aug 13, 2013  3:50 - 4:20 pm, high tide
Semipalmated Sandpiper -.Yellow Flag  PA7 on upper right;  metal band on upper left feeding in a flock of 1 Least, 3 Semipalmated Plover, 3 Ruddy Turnstone, 53 Semipalmated Sandpipers at Greenwich Point Park"

Cynthia also found another tagged bird before even hearing back the banding information about the first one!

"While looking for Semipalmated Sandpiper PA7 ( which I did not find), I discovered another tagged shorebird at Greenwich Point Park today, 8/18 about 11:00 am. Semipalmated Sandpiper feeding with flock of about 36 SESA  plus 2 Ruddy Turnstone and 2 Semipalmated Plover. Band on upper left leg was dark blue band over yellow flag tag LYM. Metal band on right leg."

When Cynthia heard back on the band returns she found out that the Semipalmated Sandpiper with flag PA7 was banded this past spring on April 26 at Warappakreek study site, Commewijne District, Suriname. The second bird was banded in French Guiana in January 2010.

Our thanks to Cynthia for all of the hard work from the observations to the photos to the reporting, all while keeping us in the loop. Please be on the lookout for birds like hers and let us know if you see any!


Audubon Alliance for Coastal Waterbirds, Audubon Connecticut and the Connecticut Audubon Society partnering to improve conditions for coastal waterbirds in Connecticut.

Sandy Point IBA cleanup a success!

280 lbs. of Trash Removed from Sandy Point Important Bird Area, West Haven, CT
By Corrie Folsom-O’Keefe, Important Bird Area Program Coordinator, Audubon Connecticut

Saturday August 17th was the perfect day to visit the beach at Sandy Point Important Bird Area in West Haven, CT.  At 2pm, approximately 20 people, bird watchers and members of the local community assembled at Sandy Point. But these folks did not come for a swim or to relax along the shore, instead they came to participate in a beach clean-up.   Over the course of three hours, participants did an amazing job, removing a whopping 17 bags of trash, weighing a total of 280 lbs., from the beach.  Commonly collect items included food wrappers, cigarette butts and packaging, and small pieces of plastic.  Others items picked up in large quantities included plastic bags, beverage bottles, and caps. The most unusual item collect was what appeared to be a car muffler.   

The clean-up was sponsored by the Audubon Alliance for Coastal Waterbirds with assistance from the City of West Haven.  Trash, especially food waste, attracts predators to beaches. Carry-in/carry-out trash policies and periodic clean-ups helps prevent predators from visiting places like Sandy Point, that are important breeding sites for the federally threatened piping plovers and other beach nesting bird species.


Audubon Alliance for Coastal Waterbirds, Audubon Connecticut and the Connecticut Audubon Society partnering to improve conditions for coastal waterbirds in Connecticut.

AAfCW 2013 Volunteer Update #21

This is the twenty-first weekly update by the Audubon Alliance for Coastal Waterbirds (AAfCW) for the 2013 season. Today's update includes reports of Piping Plover, American Oystercatcher, Least Tern and Common Tern from August 12 through 4:00 p.m. on August 19 with sightings of birds by volunteers and staff spanning that period.

Informational updates:

A huge thanks to everyone who joined us at Long Beach for string fencing removal or Sandy/Morse Points cleanup last week! We have two more fencing removal dates from CT DEEP left to go:

Tuesday, August 20th at 10:00AM - Sandy/Morse Points in West Haven
Thursday, August 29th at 10:00AM - Bluff Point in Groton

Those dates are rain or shine, but any thunderstorms will postpone them. Assisting not only helps AAfCW but it also greatly aids those at CT DEEP who have extremely limited time, and it limits the stress on the birds. Please remember that taking down fencing in August can be physically demanding because of the heat and humidity, and those who join us should remember a few things:
-wear sunscreen
-drink plenty of water or sports drink
-do not attempt to carry too many stakes, there are enough volunteers so that no one should overexert themselves
-anyone who needs to limit physical exertion should stick to winding up string rolls
-take as many breaks as needed

Please email us if you can join us on those days if you have not already, thank you!

Survey and monitoring updates:

Piping Plover
4 juveniles at Long Beach on 8/12
2 juveniles at Sandy/Morse Points on 8/14
1 hatchling at Sandy/Morse Points on 8/14
3 juveniles at Milford Point on 8/14
3 juveniles at Sandy/Morse Points on 8/14
5 juveniles at Bluff Point on 8/14
1 fledgling at Long Beach on 8/16
1 juvenile at Sandy/Morse Points on 8/17

American Oystercatcher
2 adults at Griswold Point on 8/12
1 adult at Shore Rock on 8/12
1 pair at Chaffinch Island Guilford on 8/12
2 pairs, 2 juveniles at Milford Point on 8/12
3 pairs, 1 fledgling, 1 juvenile at Menunketesuck Island on 8/14
1 adult at Duck Island on 8/14
1 pair, 1 juvenile at Salt Island on 8/14
1 pair at Griswold Point on 8/14
1 pair at Thimble Islands on 8/14
1 pair at Griswold Point on 8/14
1 adult at Milford Point on 8/14
1 pair at Sandy/Morse Points on 8/14
4 adults at Milford Point on 8/15
1 pair at Horse Island Guilford on 8/16
1 pair, 1 adult at Milford Point on 8/16
2 pairs, 1 adult at Thimble Islands on 8/16
2 adults at Sandy/Morse Points on 8/17
1 adult at Griswold Point on 8/18

Least Tern
2 adults, 3 fledglings at Harkness Memorial State Park on 8/12
2 pairs, 8 adults, 4 hatchlings, 5 fledglings, 4 juveniles at Milford Point on 8/12
1 adult at Russian Beach on 8/12
2 adults at Long Beach on 8/12
1 adult, 2 juveniles at Griswold Point on 8/14
1 adult, 1 hatchling at Milford Point on 8/14
3 adults at Milford Point on 8/15
2 adults at Milford Point on 8/16

Common Tern
5 adults, 1 juvenile at Harkness Memorial State Park on 8/12
1 adult, 1 juvenile at Milford Point on 8/12
2 adults at Long Beach on 8/12
1 adult at Griswold Pt on 8/14
2 adults at Sandy/Morse Points on 8/14
1 adult at Milford Point on 8/16

This concludes update #21 through 8/19/13 as of 4:30 p.m.


Audubon Alliance for Coastal Waterbirds, Audubon Connecticut and the Connecticut Audubon Society partnering to improve conditions for coastal waterbirds in Connecticut.

Coastal Waterbird Training for Municipal Officials

Last week Audubon Connecticut's coastal waterbird training for municipal officials took place in Milford. It was made possible by a grant from the Long Island Sound Futures Fund and Toyota Together Green. It was a beautiful day made better by a trip out to the beaches and marshes of the Connecticut Audubon Society Coastal Center at Milford Point at the conclusion of the indoor portion of the training session. Here are a bunch of photos of the event from Patrick Comins.

Our thanks to everyone who was able to attend! The crowded session was a big success and we will continue to engage our neighbors about coastal waterbirds year-round.


Audubon Alliance for Coastal Waterbirds, Audubon Connecticut and the Connecticut Audubon Society partnering to improve conditions for coastal waterbirds in Connecticut.

Long Beach de-fencing party

A big thanks to all of the volunteers who came out to help take down the fencing at Long Beach yesterday! Extra hands really make the work a lot easier. We would love to have anyone who can come help out at Sandy/Morse Points in West Haven on August 20th at 10:00AM and Bluff Point on August 29th at 10:00AM join us then. You can find more information in this blog post.

Here are some photos from the Long Beach operation...

Our thanks again to everyone and we will see you in the field soon!

Audubon Alliance for Coastal Waterbirds, Audubon Connecticut and the Connecticut Audubon Society partnering to improve conditions for coastal waterbirds in Connecticut.

AAfCW 2013 Volunteer Update #20

This is the twentieth weekly update by the Audubon Alliance for Coastal Waterbirds (AAfCW) for the 2013 season. Today's update includes reports of Piping Plover, American Oystercatcher, Least Tern and Common Tern from August 5 through 4:00 p.m. on August 12 with sightings of birds by volunteers and staff spanning that period.

Informational updates:

We have received three string fencing removal dates from CT DEEP, and AAfCW would appreciate any volunteers who could help us out at these locations:

Thursday, August 15th at 10:00AM - Long Beach in Stratford
Tuesday, August 20th at 10:00AM - Sandy/Morse Points in West Haven
Thursday, August 29th at 10:00AM - Bluff Point in Groton

Those dates are rain or shine, but any thunderstorms will postpone them. Assisting not only helps AAfCW but it also greatly aids those at CT DEEP who have extremely limited time, and it limits the stress on the birds. Please remember that taking down fencing in August can be physically demanding because of the heat and humidity, and those who join us should remember a few things:
-wear sunscreen
-drink plenty of water or sports drink
-do not attempt to carry too many stakes, there are enough volunteers so that no one should overexert themselves
-anyone who needs to limit physical exertion should stick to winding up string rolls
-take as many breaks as needed

Please email us if you can join us on any or all days, thank you!

Additionally, due to tomorrow’s forecast of rain and possible thunderstorms, we are re-scheduling the Shorebird Workshop for Municipal Officials to the rain date of Friday, August 16th. See more information here in our blog: http://ctwaterbirds.blogspot.com/2013/08/sharing-our-shores-managing-municipal.html

Survey and monitoring updates:

Piping Plover
1 adult, 2 hatchlings at Long Beach on 8/4
1 adult, 2 juveniles at Sandy/Morse Points on 8/5
2 adults, 1 fledgling, 6 juveniles at Milford Point on 8/5
1 adult, 2 hatchlings, 3 juveniles at Sandy/Morse Points on 8/5
1 juvenile at Griswold Point on 8/5
1 juvenile at Milford Point on 8/5
10 adults at Hatch Rock Guilford on 8/6
1 adult, 2 fledglings at Long Beach on 8/6
5 juveniles at Milford Point on 8/6
1 adult, 2 fledglings at Milford Point on 8/6
2 hatchlings, 1 juvenile at Sandy/Morse Points on 8/7
3 juveniles at Milford Point on 8/7
2 adults, 2 hatchlings, 3 fledglings, 2 juveniles at Sandy/Morse Points on 8/7
8 juveniles at Sandy/Morse Points on 8/7
2 juveniles at Long Beach on 8/11
4 juveniles at Sandy/Morse Points on 8/12
4 juveniles at Sandy/Morse Points on 8/12

American Oystercatcher
1 pair, 1 juvenile at Salt Island on 8/5
5 pairs, 1 juvenile at Menunketesuck Island on 8/5
1 pair, 1 fledgling at Duck Island on 8/5
3 pairs, 6 adults, 3 juveniles at Milford Point on 8/5
1 pair at Griswold Point on 8/5
1 pair at Sandy/Morse Points on 8/6
1 pair at Hatch Rock Guilford on 8/6
2 pairs, 2 juveniles at Milford Point on 8/6
3 pairs, 2 juveniles at Milford Point on 8/6
4 pairs, 2 fledglings at Cockenoe Island on 8/6
1 pair at Chimon Island on 8/6
1 adult at Betts Island on 8/6
1 pair at Long Beach Island on 8/6
3 adults at Sheffield/Shea Island on 8/6
1 pair at Goose Island on 8/6
2 adults at Griswold Point on 8/7
2 pairs at Sandy/Morse Points on 8/7
2 pairs, 2 juveniles at Milford Point on 8/7
3 pairs at Sandy/Morse Points on 8/7
4 adults at Sandy/Morse Points on 8/7
1 pair at Branford Harbor on 8/7
1 pair, 1 juvenile at Umbrella Island on 8/7
1 pair at Kelsey Island on 8/7
1 pair, 1 juvenile at Green Island Branford on 8/7
2 pairs, 2 juveniles at Milford Point on 8/7
3 pairs at Sandy/Morse Points on 8/7
1 pair, 1 juvenile at Salt Island on 8/8
3 pairs, 2 hatchlings, 1 juvenile at Menunketesuck Island on 8/8
1 pair, 1 fledgling at Duck Island on 8/8
1 pair at Lobster Rock Guilford on 8/8
4 adults at Cops Island on 8/8
1 pair, 3 juveniles at Governor Island Thimble Islands on 8/9
2 adults at Sandy/Morse Points on 8/12
1 pair at Sandy/Morse Points on 8/12

Least Tern
7 adults, 1 juvenile at Long Beach on 8/4
3 juveniles at Griswold Pt on 8/5
3 pairs, 4 adults, 4 hatchlings at Milford Point on 8/5
1 pair, 10 adults, 1 juvenile at Milford Point on 8/5
2 adults, 1 juvenile at Long Beach on 8/6
3 adults, 2 juveniles at Long Beach on 8/6
3 pairs, 10 adults, 2 hatchlings, 2 fledglings, 4 juveniles at Milford Point on 8/6
4 pairs, 10 adults, 5 hatchlings, 7 fledglings, 1 juvenile at Milford Point on 8/6
4 pairs, 8 adults, 2 hatchlings, 2 fledglings, 3 juveniles at Milford Point on 8/7
2 adults at Silver Sands on 8/7
1 adult at Griswold Point on 8/10
3 adults at Long Beach on 8/11

Common Tern
1 adult, 1 juvenile at Long Beach on 8/4
1 adult at Silver Sands State Park on 8/5
4 adults at Pleasure Beach on 8/6
7 juveniles at Sandy/Morse Points on 8/7
7 adults at Milford Point on 8/7
1 adult at Sherwood Island State Park on 8/7
5 adults, 2 juveniles at Sandy/Morse Points on 8/7
1 adult at Silver Sands State Park on 8/7
5 adults at Sandy/Morse Points on 8/7
95 adults, 30 juveniles at Menunketesuck Island on 8/8

This concludes update #20 through 8/12/13 as of 4:00 p.m.


Audubon Alliance for Coastal Waterbirds, Audubon Connecticut and the Connecticut Audubon Society partnering to improve conditions for coastal waterbirds in Connecticut.

Upcoming Sandy/Morse Points cleanup

AAfCW will host a beach cleanup at Sandy/Morse Points Important Bird Area in West Haven on Saturday, August 17, from 2-5PM. The cleanup will help prevent predators, attracted by trash, from visiting Sandy/Morse Points, one of the most important sites for Piping Plovers and other beach nesting bird species in the state of CT. We are looking for volunteers to help with the clean-up and also to keep an eye on the birds. Latex and leather work gloves will be provided and ice water will be available. Please bring sunscreen and a water bottle. Park in the Sandy Point parking lot on Beach St. Come for all or part of the time. Contact: Corrie Folsom-O’Keefe, 203-233-0535, cfolsom-okeefe@audubon.org if you would like to participate.


Audubon Alliance for Coastal Waterbirds, Audubon Connecticut and the Connecticut Audubon Society partnering to improve conditions for coastal waterbirds in Connecticut.

Sharing our Shores: Managing Municipal Coastal Resources for Birds and People

Edited update:

RE-SCHEDULED - AUGUST 16TH!

Sharing our Shores:  Managing Municipal Coastal Resources for Birds and People

Due to tomorrow’s forecast of rain and possible thunderstorms, we are re-scheduling the Shorebird Workshop for Municipal Officials to the rain date of Friday, August 16th.  A revised invitation follows. It is not too late to sign up! We look forward to seeing you Friday in Milford.

=============

The Audubon Alliance for Coastal Waterbirds, in cooperation with Connecticut DEEP Wildlife Division, is pleased to offer a free half day workshop for municipal officials and interested board and commission members facing the challenge of managing coastal resources for birds and people. The workshop is designed to increase understanding and expertise regarding beach nesting birds such as the Piping Plover and other coastal species; explain local responsibilities for protecting these birds; share strategies and best management practices with shoreline colleagues; and finish the day with a guided tour of beautiful Milford Point, an area that provides habitat for several species of protected shorebirds and numerous other species.

The workshop is free and includes a morning classroom session followed by lunch (provided) and an afternoon guided beach walk at Milford Point. We hope that you will join us to learn more about our coastal waterbirds and how your community can help them thrive.

WHAT: Shorebird Workshop for Municipal Officials
WHEN:  Friday August 16th 11:00 – 3:00 PM
WHERE: Margaret Eagan Center, 35 Matthew Street, Milford, CT 06460 Milford, CT & Guided walk at Milford Point

RSVP and questions, please contact: Sandy Breslin at sbreslin@audubon.org or (203) 264-5098 x306.

The Audubon Alliance for Coastal Waterbirds is a joint project of Audubon Connecticut and the Connecticut Audubon Society in cooperation with CT DEEP and USFWS. Learn more about our partnership and activities at: http://ctwaterbirds.blogspot.com/

This workshop is made possible through the generous support of the Long Island Sound Study and Toyota TogetherGreen.

Audubon Alliance for Coastal Waterbirds, Audubon Connecticut and the Connecticut Audubon Society partnering to improve conditions for coastal waterbirds in Connecticut.

AAfCW 2013 Volunteer Update #19

This is the nineteenth weekly update by the Audubon Alliance for Coastal Waterbirds (AAfCW) for the 2013 season. Today's update includes reports of Piping Plover, American Oystercatcher, Least Tern and Common Tern from July 29 through 4:00 p.m. on August 5 with sightings of birds by volunteers and staff spanning that period.

Informational updates:

As we enter migration season please keep an eye out for any banded or flagged birds! Piping Plover and American Oystercatcher are color banded and flagged in our area. Least, Common, and Roseate Terns are also frequently seen with bands in Connecticut. You can find more information on some recent Piping Plover banding projects here in our blog and what to do if you see one: http://ctwaterbirds.blogspot.com/2013/07/watch-for-flagged-piping-plovers.html

Please remember all of our beaches may have higher numbers of birds passing through, including species not seen yet this year, because of migration. Let's see how many we can tally in the next month along with our breeding birds! All of this is important data and we thank you for the continual efforts.

Survey and monitoring updates:

Piping Plover
1 adult at Harkness Memorial State Park on 7/29
9 juveniles at Griswold Point on 7/29
1 pair, 1 adult, 2 hatchlings, 3 juveniles at Sandy/Morse Points on 7/29
5 juveniles at Griswold Point on 7/30
2 adults, 5 fledglings, 2 juveniles at Sandy/Morse Points on 7/30
1 pair, 1 adult, 4 fledglings, 1 juvenile at Sandy/Morse Points on 7/30
1 adult at Long Beach on 7/30
1 adult, 1 fledgling, 1 juvenile at Long Beach on 7/31
4 juveniles at Milford Point on 7/31
8 juveniles at Griswold Point on 8/1
2 adults, 7 juveniles at Sandy/Morse Points on 8/1
1 hatchling, 10 juveniles at Milford Point on 8/1
5 adults, 2 fledglings, 1 juvenile at Milford Point on 8/1
1 adult, 2 hatchlings at Long Beach on 8/1
10 adults, 3 juveniles at Griswold Point on 8/2
3 fledglings at Sandy/Morse Points on 8/2
2 adults, 8 juveniles at Milford Point on 8/3
5 juveniles at Griswold Point on 8/3
2 hatchlings, 3 fledglings at Milford Point on 8/4
8 juveniles at Griswold Point on 8/4

American Oystercatcher
1 adult at Griswold Point on 7/29
1 adult at Shore Rock on 7/29
2 adults at Griswold Point on 7/29
1 pair at Sandy/Morse Points on 7/29
1 adult at Griswold Point on 7/30
1 pair at Sandy/Morse Points on 7/30
1 pair, 3 juveniles at Governor Island Thimble Islands on 7/30
1 adult at Red Point Rocks Thimble Islands on 7/30
1 pair at Thimble Island on 7/30
1 pair, 1 juvenile at Salt Island on 7/30
5 pairs, 1 juvenile at Menunketesuck Island on 7/30
4 pairs, 2 fledglings at Cockenoe Island on 7/31
1 pair, 1 fledgling at Chimon Island on 7/31
1 adult at Betts Island on 7/31
1 pair, 1 fledgling at Long Beach Island on 7/31
3 adults at Sheffield/Shea Island on 7/31
1 adult at Calf Pasture Island on 7/31
1 pair at Goose Island on 7/31
1 pair, 1 juvenile at Milford Point on 7/31
1 adult at Griswold Point on 7/31
1 pair, 1 adult, 1 juvenile at Duck Island on 7/31
1 pair at Branford Harbor on 7/31
1 pair at Kelsey Island on 7/31
1 pair, 1 juvenile at Umbrella Island on 7/31
2 adults at Sandy/Morse Points on 7/31
2 pairs, 2 juveniles at Milford Point on 8/1
1 pair, 3 juveniles at Governor Island Thimble Islands on 8/1
2 pairs, 2 juveniles at Milford Point on 8/1
1 adult at Jordan Cove on 8/1
1 adult at Inner White Top Guilford on 8/2
4 pairs, 1 adult at Menunketesuck Island on 8/2
3 pairs at Sandy/Morse Points on 8/2
13 adults at Milford Point on 8/3
2 adults at Griswold Point on 8/3
4 adults, 1 juvenile at Milford Point on 8/4

Least Tern
24 adults, 2 juveniles at Griswold Point on 7/29
5 adults at Sandy/Morse Points on 7/29
12 adults, 6 fledglings, 2 juveniles, 2 nests at Harkness Memorial State Park on 7/29
36 adults, 2 juveniles at Griswold Point on 7/30
3 adults, 3 juveniles at Long Beach on 7/30
6 adults, 1 fledgling at Long Beach on 7/31
2 pairs, 8 adults, 2 hatchlings, 4 juveniles at Milford Point on 7/31
2 adults, 2 juveniles at Long Beach on 7/31
1 adult at Silver Sands State Park on 7/31
26 adults at Griswold Point on 7/31
6 adults, 2 fledglings at Bluff Point on 7/31
1 adult at Silver Sands State Park on 8/1
4 pairs, 6 adults, 2 hatchlings, 2 fledglings at Milford Point on 8/1
12 adults, 10 hatchlings, 2 fledglings at Harkness Memorial State Park on 8/2
6 adults, 2 fledglings at Bluff Point on 8/2
12 adults at Griswold Point on 8/2
15 adults, 5 fledglings at Menunketesuck Island on 8/2
1 juvenile at Sandy/Morse Points on 8/2
3 adults at Long Beach on 8/3
20 adults, 3 juveniles at Griswold Point on 8/3
1 pair, 3 juveniles at Bluff Point on 8/4
1 pair, 14 adults, 8 fledglings at Griswold Point on 8/4
6 adults, 3 fledglings at Bluff Point on 8/4

Common Tern
85 adults, 25 juveniles at Griswold Point on 7/29
3 adults at Sandy/Morse Points on 7/29
22 adults at Harkness Memorial State Park on 7/30
15 adults, 4 juveniles at Griswold Point on 7/30
2 adults at Sandy/Morse Points on 7/30
100 adults, 35 fledglings at Cockenoe Island on 7/31
1 adult at Long Beach on 7/31
62 adults, 12 juveniles at Milford Point on 7/31
1 adult Silver Sands State Park on 7/31
14 adults, 1 fledgling Griswold Point on 7/31
1 juvenile at Silver Sands State Park on 7/31
6 adults Silver Sands State Park on 8/1
18 adults, 2 juveniles Milford Point on 8/1
3 adults, 1 juvenile Griswold Point on 8/2
1 adult at Sherwood Island State Park on 8/2
30 adults, 4 fledglings at Menunketesuck Island on 8/2    
12 adults, 2 fledglings at Sandy/Morse Points on 8/2
1 adult at Long Beach on 8/3
3 adults at Griswold Point on 8/3
6 adults, 1 fledgling at Griswold Point on 8/4

This concludes update #19 through 8/5/13 as of 5:00 p.m.


Audubon Alliance for Coastal Waterbirds, Audubon Connecticut and the Connecticut Audubon Society partnering to improve conditions for coastal waterbirds in Connecticut.