2016 AAfCW Totals

I thought it would be a terrific time to update everyone on our Piping Plover and American Oystercatcher numbers for 2016 as we near the end of our year. Audubon Connecticut and the Roger Tory Peterson Institute of Natural History are proud to be partners for the upcoming Audubon Alliance for Coastal Waterbirds' (AAfCW) sixth season in 2017, and over the past few years we have had a number of tremendous success stories. Our incredible 2014 season included an all-time record high number of fledged Piping Plovers for Connecticut with 116 birds aided by our volunteers, partners and staff. Results from the phenomenal 2015 season indicated we had the second highest number of fledged chicks ever at 112, right behind our own 2014 record. We also set the all-time record number of breeding pairs of Piping Plovers for the state in 2015 at 62, but this was broken in 2016 with 63 pairs!

Piping Plovers can be found feeding near the tidal line and nesting right above it, a sometimes precarious position for eggs and young

These birds produced 87 fledged chicks for a productivity rate of 1.38 chicks per pair, well above the federal recovery goal of 1.2 chicks per pair. High tide events, storms, predators and unfortunate human incidents all led to a decline in fledged chicks from the previous two seasons, but it was nevertheless the fourth highest total ever for our state.

A resting migrant Piping Plover

The Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection is still finalizing the official numbers for Least Terns nesting in 2016. However, we have completed our report for the American Oystercatcher, and it is yet more great news as a record high number of 63 pairs nested in Connecticut in 2016. These birds produced 53 fledglings for a productivity rate of .84 chicks per pair, the second highest total of chicks fledged and the second highest productivity rate ever recorded in the state. Our daily work to protect breeding areas, from the beaches to remote offshore islands, is undoubtedly behind this increase in nesting attempts and success.

American Oystercatcher nesting pair by RTPI President Twan Leenders

We would like to thank our hundreds of volunteers for putting in approximately 4,000 volunteer hours as tallied through only the first three quarters of 2016! None of this work could be done without these dedicated citizen scientists. Remember that our efforts extend through the end of the year as we survey for birds such as the Black-bellied Plover, Sanderling, Dunlin, Killdeer, Ruddy Turnstone, lingering egrets, herons and more that spend the winter with us.

Audubon Connecticut and the Roger Tory Peterson Institute of Natural History are looking forward to what will be a very busy and extremely important 2017 field season – starting in less than three months – after Hurricane Matthew tore through the Bahamas and the wintering grounds of many Piping Plovers. Hundreds or more may have perished, and we may have fewer pairs returning to us, making our stewardship and outreach efforts all the more important for those that have survived and will depend on Connecticut to recover from these losses. As always, if you have questions about the Audubon Alliance for Coastal Waterbirds or wish to volunteer, please email us at ctwaterbirds ‘AT’ gmail.com or contact me directly via skruitbosch ‘AT’ rtpi.org.

Scott Kruitbosch
RTPI Conservation & Outreach Coordinator
AAfCW Volunteer Coordinator

Sandy Point Cleanup

Want to help Piping Plovers? Consider helping out this Saturday from 9a-12p at a coastal clean-up at Sandy Point and other locations in West Haven. A clean site prevents predators, attracted by food and litter, from becoming accustomed to visiting Sandy Point, one of the most important nesting locations in the state for Piping Plover. More info can be found at: http://www.newhavenbirdclub.org/calendar/ 
 
Thank you for your help!!!

AAfCW 2016 Volunteer Update #23

This is the twenty-third weekly update by the Audubon Alliance for Coastal Waterbirds (AAfCW) for the 2016 season. Today's update includes reports of Piping Plover, American Oystercatcher, Least Tern and Common Tern from August 22 through 11:00 a.m. on August 29 with sightings of birds by volunteers and staff.

Informational updates:

This is the final regular weekly update for the 2016 season. If you have yet to submit any data please do so as soon as possible. We thank you all once again for the tremendous and invaluable work you have done all spring and summer long. We will email numbers on bird totals for the season later in the autumn/winter once they are finalized by CT DEEP.

Survey and monitoring updates:

Piping Plover

1 juvenile at Silver Sands State Park on 8/23

1 adult, 1 fledgling at Long Beach on 8/23
1 adult/fledgling at Long Beach on 8/23
1 fledgling at Long Beach on 8/24

1 juvenile at Sandy/Morse Points on 8/24

1 fledgling at Long Beach on 8/24

1 juvenile at Sandy/Morse Points on 8/25
1 juvenile at Silver Sands State Park on 8/25

2 adults/juveniles at Sandy/Morse Points on 8/26

American Oystercatcher

2 adults, 1 juvenile at Mouth of Oyster River, West Haven/Milford (Baybrook Beach) on 8/22
49 adults at Short Beach on 8/23
1 adult at Long Beach on 8/24
4 adults at Milford Point on 8/24

1 adult at Long Beach on 8/24
35 adults at Milford Point on 8/25
2 adults at Griswold Point on 8/25
1 adult, 1 juvenile at Bluff Point on 8/25

Least Tern

15 adults/juveniles at Sandy/Morse Points on 8/24
4 adults/juveniles at Sandy/Morse Points on 8/25

Common Tern

500 adults at Sandy/Morse Points on 8/22
125 adults at Short Beach on 8/23
3 adults at Silver Sands State Park on 8/23

5 adults at Sandy/Morse Points on 8/23

50 adults/juveniles at Sandy/Morse Points on 8/24

150 adults/juveniles at Milford Point on 8/25
150 adults/juveniles at Sandy/Morse Points on 8/26
38 adults/juveniles at Sasco Hill Beach on 8/28

This concludes update #23 through 08/29/16 as of 12:00 p.m.

AAfCW 2016 Volunteer Update #22

This is the twenty-second weekly update by the Audubon Alliance for Coastal Waterbirds (AAfCW) for the 2016 season. Today's update includes reports of Piping Plover, American Oystercatcher, Least Tern and Common Tern from August 15 through 2:00 p.m. on August 22 with sightings of birds by volunteers and staff.

Informational updates:

Tomorrow should be a gorgeous day after a night of strong avian migration, and it is our final string fencing removal date with CT DEEP. The Audubon Alliance for Coastal Waterbirds would appreciate any volunteers who could help us out at:

Long Beach in Stratford - Tuesday, August 23rd at 10:30 a.m. We will meet at the west end of the parking area, and the lot attendant will be notified that volunteers will be coming through to assist with plover work.

Assisting not only helps AAfCW but it also greatly aids those at CT DEEP who have extremely limited time. It also limits the stress on young, feeding and migrant birds. Please remember that taking down fencing in August can be physically demanding because of the potential heat and humidity, and those who join us should remember a few things:
-wear sunscreen and a hat
-drink plenty of water or sports drink and bring a snack
-do not attempt to carry too many stakes as there will be enough volunteers and staff members 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

In general we look for everyone we can to help out even if you are not a past monitor or volunteer - the more the merrier. It also makes for a more pleasant morning of bird watching and discussions on the beach. Come enjoy the birds there, at adjacent Stratford Great Meadows, or nearby Short Beach/Stratford Point with us before or after the fencing party. Please email us at ctwaterbirds@gmail.com if you can join us at Long Beach, and thank you!

Survey and monitoring updates:

Piping Plover

3 juveniles at Bluff Point on 8/15
3 juveniles at Sandy/Morse Points on 8/15
1 adult, 2 fledglings at Hammonasset on 8/16
1 adult, 1 fledgling at Long Beach on 8/16

7 adults at Long Beach on 8/17

4 fledglings at Milford Point on 8/18
6 adults, 1 fledgling at Sandy/Morse Points on 8/18
1 adult, 2 fledglings at Hammonasset on 8/19

2 fledglings at Milford Point on 8/19

1 adult, 1 fledgling at Sandy/Morse Points on 8/20

American Oystercatcher

5 pairs, 1 adult, 2 fledglings, 4 juveniles at Menunketesuck Island on 8/15
40 adults at Short Beach on 8/16
1 pair, 1 juvenile at Hammonasset on 8/16
1 adult at Sandy/Morse Points on 8/17
35 adults at Milford Point on 8/18
1 pair, 1 juvenile at Compo Beach on 8/18
7 pairs, 30 adults, 4 juveniles at Cockenoe Island on 8/18
1 pair, 1 juvenile at Goose Island on 8/18
37 adults at Milford Point on 8/19
1 pair, 1 juvenile at Hammonasset on 8/19
1 pair, 1 adult at Hammonasset on 8/21

Least Tern

9 adults, 2 fledglings, 8 juveniles at Menunketesuck Island on 8/15
11 adults at Long Beach on 8/17
3 adults at Milford Point on 8/19

Common Tern

25 adults at Hammonasset on 8/16

300 adults/juveniles at Sandy/Morse Points on 8/17

20 adults/juveniles at Sandy/Morse Points on 8/18

200 adults/juveniles at Milford Point on 8/18
11 adults at Cockenoe Island on 8/18
51 adults at Goose Island on 8/18
152 adults at Sheep Rocks on 8/18
100 adults/juveniles at Sandy/Morse Points on 8/20

This concludes update #22 through 08/22/16 as of 4:00 p.m.

Long Beach Fencing Removal 8/23

Next week is our final string fencing removal date with CT DEEP. The Audubon Alliance for Coastal Waterbirds would appreciate any volunteers who could help us out at:

Long Beach in Stratford - Tuesday, August 23rd at 10:30 a.m. We will meet at the west end of the parking area, and the lot attendant will be notified that volunteers will be coming through to assist with plover work. The rain date is Thursday, August 25th at 10:30 a.m.

Assisting not only helps AAfCW but it also greatly aids those at CT DEEP who have extremely limited time. It also limits the stress on young, feeding and migrant birds. Please remember that taking down fencing in August can be physically demanding because of the potential heat and humidity, and those who join us should remember a few things:
-wear sunscreen and a hat
-drink plenty of water or sports drink and bring a snack
-do not attempt to carry too many stakes as there will be enough volunteers and staff members 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

In general we look for everyone we can to help out even if you are not a past monitor or volunteer - the more the merrier. It also makes for a more pleasant morning of bird watching and discussions on the beach. Please email us at ctwaterbirds@gmail.com if you can join us at Long Beach, and thank you!

AAfCW 2016 Volunteer Update #21

This is the twenty-first weekly update by the Audubon Alliance for Coastal Waterbirds (AAfCW) for the 2016 season. Today's update includes reports of Piping Plover, American Oystercatcher, Least Tern and Common Tern from August 8 through 4:00 p.m. on August 15 with sightings of birds by volunteers and staff.

Informational updates:

Next week is our final string fencing removal date with CT DEEP. The Audubon Alliance for Coastal Waterbirds would appreciate any volunteers who could help us out at:

Long Beach in Stratford - Tuesday, August 23rd at 10:30 a.m. We will meet at the west end of the parking area, and the lot attendant will be notified that volunteers will be coming through to assist with plover work. The rain date is Thursday, August 25th at 10:30 a.m.

Assisting not only helps AAfCW but it also greatly aids those at CT DEEP who have extremely limited time. It also limits the stress on young, feeding and migrant birds. Please remember that taking down fencing in August can be physically demanding because of the potential heat and humidity, and those who join us should remember a few things:
-wear sunscreen and a hat
-drink plenty of water or sports drink and bring a snack
-do not attempt to carry too many stakes as there will be enough volunteers and staff members 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

In general we look for everyone we can to help out even if you are not a past monitor or volunteer - the more the merrier. It also makes for a more pleasant morning of bird watching and discussions on the beach. Please email us at ctwaterbirds@gmail.com if you can join us at Long Beach, and thank you! 

Please continue to cancel visits to your beach if the temperature is in the 90s or the heat index is dangerously high. One of the good parts about monitoring through the end of August is that you have the opportunity to see some tremendous birds. These include uncommon sights like the Red Knot or Black Tern to perhaps the nearly unbelievable as an extremely rare Bridled Tern was seen this past weekend on nearby Great Gull Island. Keep your eyes open for anything and everything in this busy migratory season!

Survey and monitoring updates:

Piping Plover

3 juveniles at Sandy/Morse Points on 8/8
1 adult, 1 hatchling at Long Beach on 8/8
1 adult, 1 hatchling, 1 fledgling at Long Beach on 8/8
1 fledgling at Silver Sands State Park on 8/8
3 juveniles at Milford Point on 8/10

1 adult at Milford Point on 8/10

1 adult, 1 fledgling, 2 juveniles at Griswold Point on 8/11
3 fledglings at Bluff Point on 8/11
2 juveniles at Sandy/Morse Points on 8/11
1 adult, 5 fledglings at Milford Point on 8/11

2 juveniles at Sandy/Morse Points on 8/15

American Oystercatcher

1 pair at Sandy/Morse Points on 8/8
2 adults at Sandy/Morse Points on 8/9
3 pairs, 30 adults, 1 juvenile at Milford Point on 8/10
2 adults at Sandy/Morse Points on 8/10
20 adults at Milford Point on 8/10
2 adults at Griswold Point on 8/11
2 adults at Sandy/Morse Points on 8/11
1 pair, 13 adults, 1 juvenile at Milford Point on 8/11

2 adults at Sandy/Morse Points on 8/15

Least Tern

2 adults at Milford Point on 8/10
6 pairs, 28 adults, 4 hatchlings, 1 fledgling, 5 juveniles at Griswold Point on 8/11
1 adult at Bluff Point on 8/11
10 adults/juveniles at Milford Point on 8/11

10 adults/juveniles at Sandy/Morse Points on 8/12

Common Tern

35 adults at Sandy/Morse Points on 8/8
9 adults at Silver Sands State Park on 8/8
250 adults, 68 juveniles at Milford Point on 8/10
6 adults/juveniles at Sandy/Morse Points on 8/10
600 adults/juveniles/fledglings at Milford Point on 8/10
300 adults/juveniles at Milford Point on 8/11
82 adults, 94 juveniles at Griswold Point on 8/11
10 adults at Bluff Point on 8/11
32 adults, 23 juveniles at Sandy/Morse Points on 8/11
250 adults/juveniles/fledglings at Sandy/Morse Points on 8/15

This concludes update #21 through 08/15/16 as of 5:00 p.m.

AAfCW 2016 Volunteer Update #20

This is the twentieth weekly update by the Audubon Alliance for Coastal Waterbirds (AAfCW) for the 2016 season. Today's update includes reports of Piping Plover, American Oystercatcher, Least Tern and Common Tern from August 1 through 11:00 a.m. on August 8 with sightings of birds by volunteers and staff.

Informational updates:

We now have three string fencing removal dates set by CT DEEP. The Audubon Alliance for Coastal Waterbirds would appreciate any volunteers who could help us out at:

Sandy/Morse Points in West Haven - Tuesday, August 9th at 10 a.m. The rain date is Thursday, August 11th at 10 a.m.
Bluff Point in Groton - Monday, August 15th at 10 a.m. CT DEEP will drive people out to the beach from the parking area. The rain date is Friday, August 19th at 10 a.m.
Long Beach in Stratford - Tuesday, August 23rd at 10:30 a.m. We will meet at the west end of the parking area, and the lot attendant will be notified that volunteers will be coming through to assist with plover work. The rain date is Thursday, August 25th at 10:30 a.m.

Assisting not only helps AAfCW but it also greatly aids those at CT DEEP who have extremely limited time. It also limits the stress on young, feeding and migrant birds. Please remember that taking down fencing in August can be physically demanding because of the potential heat and humidity, and those who join us should remember a few things:
-wear sunscreen and a hat
-drink plenty of water or sports drink and bring a snack
-do not attempt to carry too many stakes as there will be enough volunteers and staff members 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

In general we look for everyone we can to help out even if you are not a past monitor or volunteer - the more the merrier. It also makes for a more pleasant morning of bird watching and discussions on the beach. Please email us at ctwaterbirds@gmail.com if you can join us in West Haven tomorrow or at Bluff Point or Long Beach in upcoming weeks, and thank you!

Monitoring through the end of August at your beach, even after fencing removal, is certainly helpful. While some beaches have young birds and will not have fencing removed for some time, those that do still host fledged young, lingering adults, plus dispersed and migratory birds of all ages. Please keep in mind that our target birds may not be in the expected nesting areas during this part of the season and could be offshore feeding, roosting on a distant sand bar, quietly preening on a remote section of beach, and so on. Good birding, and thanks again!

Survey and monitoring updates:

Piping Plover

1 juvenile at Sandy/Morse Points on 8/2

1 adult, 1 hatchling, 4 fledglings at Long Beach on 8/2
3 juveniles at Sandy/Morse Points on 8/2
1 adult, 1 hatchling, 5 fledglings at Long Beach on 8/3

1 adult at Sandy/Morse Points on 8/3

1 adult, 5 fledglings at Long Beach on 8/3

1 fledgling at Griswold Point on 8/3
1 adult, 3 fledglings at Milford Point on 8/3
1 adult, 13 fledglings at Milford Point on 8/4
1 adult at Sherwood Island State Park on 8/4

1 pair, 5 adults, 1 fledgling at Long Beach on 8/5

1 fledgling at Milford Point on 8/5

1 pair, 3 fledglings at Bluff Point on 8/5
1 adult, 1 hatchling at Griswold Point on 8/5

1 fledgling at Milford Point on 8/6

1 adult at Sandy/Morse Points on 8/7

2 adults, 1 fledgling at Long Beach on 8/7

American Oystercatcher

1 pair, 3 juveniles at Great Captain's Island on 8/1
2 adults at Sandy/Morse Points on 8/2
2 pairs at Sandy/Morse Points on 8/2
4 adults at Sandy/Morse Points on 8/3
1 pair, 8 adults at Milford Point on 8/3
1 pair, 4 adults, 1 juvenile at Milford Point on 8/4
1 pair, 1 juvenile at Bluff Point on 8/5

6 adults at Milford Point on 8/5

3 adults at Milford Point on 8/6

1 adult at Sandy/Morse Points on 8/7

Least Tern

12 adults at Sandy/Morse Points on 8/2
12 adults at Long Beach on 8/2
11 adults, 1 nest at Long Beach on 8/3
6 pairs, 2 hatchlings, 2 fledglings, 2 nests at Long Beach on 8/3

30 adults at Griswold Point on 8/3

5 pairs, 62 adults, 10 fledglings, 23 juveniles, 2 nests at Milford Point on 8/3
120 adults, 30 juveniles at Milford Point on 8/4
2 adults at Sherwood Island State Park on 8/4

1 pair, 10 adults at Long Beach on 8/5

3 adults at Bluff Point on 8/5
12 pairs, 14 adults, 4 hatchlings, 1 fledgling, 6 juveniles, 3 nests at Griswold Point on 8/5

30 adults/juveniles at Milford Point on 8/6

4 adults at Long Beach on 8/7

80 adults, 40 juveniles at Sandy/Morse Points on 8/7

Common Tern

100 adults at Sandy/Morse Points on 8/3

25 adults/juveniles at Griswold Point on 8/3

120 adults/juveniles at Sandy/Morse Points on 8/3

65 adults at Long Beach on 8/3

8 adults, 2 juveniles at Short Beach on 8/3
200 adults, 104 juveniles at Milford Point on 8/3

2 pairs at Sandy/Morse Points on 8/4

250 adults at Milford Point on 8/4
30 adults, 5 juveniles at Compo Beach on 8/4
18 adults, 4 juveniles at Sherwood Island State Park on 8/4
5 adults at Bluff Point on 8/5
45 adults, 60 juveniles at Griswold Point on 8/5

300 adults/juveniles at Milford Point on 8/5

8 adults at Long Beach on 8/5

600 adults/juveniles at Milford Point on 8/6

200 adults, 100 juveniles at Sandy/Morse Points on 8/7

This concludes update #20 through 08/08/16 as of 12:30 p.m.

Fencing Removal - West Haven

We now have our first string fencing removal date set by CT DEEP. The Audubon Alliance for Coastal Waterbirds would appreciate any volunteers who could help us out at:

Sandy/Morse Points in West Haven on Tuesday, August 9th at 10 a.m. The rain date is Thursday, August 11th at 10 a.m.

Long Beach and Bluff Point fencing removal dates will be announced soon pending Least Tern and Piping Plover chick departure. Assisting not only helps AAfCW but it also greatly aids those at CT DEEP who have extremely limited time. It also limits the stress on young, feeding and migrant birds. Please remember that taking down fencing in August can be physically demanding because of the potential heat and humidity, and those who join us should remember a few things:
-wear sunscreen and a hat
-drink plenty of water or sports drink and bring a snack
-do not attempt to carry too many stakes as there will be enough volunteers and staff members 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 bear in mind that West Haven requires parking passes, so if you are not a resident or do not have one from monitoring this year perhaps you can carpool with someone who does. If not but you would like to help we welcome it! Please let us know and we will attempt to make arrangements with the City. In general we look for everyone we can to help out even if you are not a past monitor or volunteer - the more the merrier. It also makes for a more pleasant morning of bird watching and discussions on the beach. Please email us at ctwaterbirds@gmail.com if you can join us in West Haven next Tuesday, and thank you!

AAfCW 2016 Volunteer Update #19

This is the nineteenth weekly update by the Audubon Alliance for Coastal Waterbirds (AAfCW) for the 2016 season. Today's update includes reports of Piping Plover, American Oystercatcher, Least Tern and Common Tern from July 25 through 11:00 a.m. on August 1 with sightings of birds by volunteers and staff.

Informational updates:

We have been experiencing more frequent rain and thunderstorms recently, and while this is a welcome sight for our drought-plagued region please continue to skip monitoring during inclement weather even if there are no more nests on your beach. August has arrived with more birds dispersing and being found in new areas including various shorebirds and terns. Please keep your eyes open for the unexpected in terms of species or abundance. We continue to watch over the last nests, hatchlings and fledglings in many areas, and educate all of the beachgoers who will be visiting our shores over the next month.

Survey and monitoring updates:

Piping Plover

4 adults, 1 hatchling, 6 fledglings at Long Beach on 7/26

1 adult, 1 fledgling at Silver Sands State Park on 7/26

1 hatchling at Long Beach on 7/27

6 adults, 2 fledglings at Milford Point on 7/27

1 pair, 2 adults, 1 hatchling, 5 fledglings at Long Beach on 7/27

2 adults, 1 hatchling, 8 fledglings at Long Beach on 7/27

1 juvenile at Sandy/Morse Points on 7/28
1 pair, 1 hatchling at Griswold Point on 7/28
1 adult, 1 hatchling, 5 fledglings at Bluff Point on 7/28
2 adults, 1 hatchling, 5 fledglings at Long Beach on 7/29
1 adult, 4 hatchlings at Short Beach on 7/29
1 adult, 3 fledglings at Milford Point on 7/29
2 adults, 7 hatchlings at Long Beach on 7/29

6 adults, 3 fledglings at Long Beach on 7/30

1 adult, 5 fledglings at Milford Point on 7/30

1 pair at Sandy/Morse Points on 7/30

American Oystercatcher

1 pair, 1 juvenile at Quinnipeag Rocks on 7/25
2 pairs, 2 fledglings at Shore Rocks on 7/25
1 pair, 1 juvenile at Tuxis Island on 7/25
1 pair at Hammonasset on 7/26

4 adults at Milford Point on 7/27

2 adults at Sandy/Morse Points on 7/27

1 pair at Mason Island on 7/27
1 adult at Ram Island on 7/27

1 adult at Long Beach on 7/27

2 pairs at Sandy/Morse Points on 7/28
1 pair, 1 juvenile at Raymond Rocks/Long Beach Island on 7/28
1 pair at Chimon Island on 7/28
1 pair at Grassy Island on 7/28
1 pair, 1 juvenile at Betts Island on 7/28

2 pairs at Sandy/Morse Points on 7/28

1 pair at Goose Island on 7/28
1 pair at Hammonasset on 7/30
13 adults, 1 juvenile at Milford Point on 7/30

Least Tern

30 adults, 2 fledglings at Long Beach on 7/26
9 pairs, 10 adults, 1 hatchling, 4 nests at Long Beach on 7/27

22 adults, 4 fledglings at Long Beach on 7/27

52 adults, 3 nests at Long Beach on 7/27

1 adult at Sandy/Morse Points on 7/28
26 pairs, 8 adults, 1 hatchling, 15 fledglings, 4 juveniles, 11 nests at Griswold Point on 7/28
3 adults, 1 juvenile at Bluff Point on 7/28
40 adults/fledglings/juveniles at Long Beach on 7/29
42 adults, 3 fledglings at Milford Point on 7/30

20 adults at Long Beach on 7/30

Common Tern

3 adults at Long Beach on 7/26

60 adults at Milford Point on 7/27

25 adults at Sandy/Morse Points on 7/27

120 adults, 95 juveniles at Griswold Point on 7/28

12 adults, 2 juveniles at Bluff Point on 7/28

300 adults/juveniles at Milford Point on 7/30

This concludes update #19 through 08/01/16 as of 12:30 p.m.

AAfCW 2016 Volunteer Update #18

This is the eighteenth weekly update by the Audubon Alliance for Coastal Waterbirds (AAfCW) for the 2016 season. Today's update includes reports of Piping Plover, American Oystercatcher, Least Tern and Common Tern from July 18 through 11:00 a.m. on July 25 with sightings of birds by volunteers and staff.

Informational updates:

Amazingly we still have Piping Plover nests hatching as of last week on some of our beaches even with the first bird being reported in the Bahamas for the "winter"! We definitely need to continue monitoring full-time as usual throughout the next month. More observations of terns of various ages continue as well, and American Oystercatchers are still in the middle of nesting season with some dispersal and migratory flocks forming. Please keep an eye even on our quieter beaches for banded or flagged Piping Plovers or American Oystercatchers moving into Connecticut from neighboring states or regions. Please remember to email Laura.Saucier@ct.gov along with us if you see any banded or flagged birds, and to get as much information about them and their tagging information as possible (within reason and with the safety of the birds being paramount). Photos are always helpful, too. Thank you!

Survey and monitoring updates:

Piping Plover

2 pairs, 4 adults, 3 hatchlings, 4 fledglings at Griswold Point on 7/18
2 pairs, 2 adults, 3 hatchlings at Bluff Point on 7/18

1 pair, 3 adults, 4 hatchlings, 2 fledglings, 2 nests at Long Beach on 7/19

3 pairs, 4 adults, 3 hatchlings, 13 fledglings at Milford Point on 7/19
1 pair, 5 adults, 5 hatchlings, 1 juvenile, 1 nest at Long Beach on 7/19

2 adults, 1 fledgling at Sandy/Morse Points on 7/19

10 adults, 1 nest at Long Beach on 7/19

2 adults, 1 fledgling at Silver Sands State Park on 7/20

1 pair, 4 adults, 3 fledglings at Griswold Point on 7/20

1 adult, 1 fledgling at Silver Sands State Park on 7/20
1 adult, 4 hatchlings at Short Beach on 7/20

7 adults, 5 fledglings, 1 nest at Long Beach on 7/20

1 fledgling at Sandy/Morse Points on 7/20

6 adults, 4 fledglings, 1 nest at Long Beach on 7/20

1 pair, 1 adult, 3 fledglings, 4 juveniles, 1 nest at Hammonasset on 7/20
1 adult, 1 fledgling at Silver Sands State Park on 7/20
12 adults, 5 hatchlings, 7 fledglings at Milford Point on 7/21

1 adult, 3 hatchlings at Milford Point on 7/22

1 adult, 1 fledgling at Silver Sands State Park on 7/22

1 pair, 1 hatchling, 3 juveniles at Hammonasset on 7/22

2 adults at Sandy/Morse Points on 7/23
1 fledgling at Silver Sands State Park on 7/24

2 adults, 2 hatchlings, 4 fledglings at Long Beach on 7/24

2 adults, 1 fledgling at Silver Sands State Park on 7/24
1 adult, 1 fledgling at Silver Sands State Park on 7/24

American Oystercatcher

1 adult at Griswold Point on 7/18
1 adult at Jacobs Beach on 7/18
1 adult at Chaffinch Island on 7/18
1 pair, 1 fledgling at Bluff Point on 7/18
3 pairs, 2 adults, 1 fledgling at Milford Point on 7/19
1 pair, 1 juvenile at Lewis Island on 7/19
1 pair at Wayland Island on 7/19
1 pair at Compo Beach on 7/19
2 pairs, 4 adults, 1 hatchling at Hammonasset on 7/20
4 adults at Silver Sands State Park on 7/20

1 adult at Sandy/Morse Points on 7/20

1 pair, 3 hatchlings at Horse Island, Joshua Cove on 7/20
1 adult at Goose Rocks on 7/20

1 pair at Griswold Point on 7/20

1 pair at Rocks, Branford Harbor on 7/21
1 pair, 1 hatchling at Umbrella Island on 7/21
1 pair, 1 juvenile at Kelsey Island on 7/21
1 pair, 1 nest at Darrow Rocks on 7/21
2 pairs, 1 adult, 1 hatchling at Hammonasset on 7/21
2 pairs at Silver Sands State Park on 7/21
15 adults at Milford Point on 7/21
1 pair at Salt Island on 7/22
5 pairs, 2 adults, 2 hatchlings, 2 fledglings at Menunketsuck on 7/22
1 pair, 3 adults, 1 hatchling at Duck Island on 7/22
4 adults at Hammonasset on 7/22
3 adults at Milford Point on 7/22

3 adults at Sandy/Morse Points on 7/24

Least Tern

2 pairs, 1 nest at Bluff Point on 7/18
1 adult at Compo Beach on 7/19
10 pairs, 20 adults, 2 fledglings, 8 nests at Long Beach on 7/19

1 pair, 20 adults, 2 hatchlings, 4 fledglings, 1 nest at Long Beach on 7/19

15 adults at Long Beach on 7/19

1 adult at Compo Beach on 7/20
9 pairs, 13 adults, 2 hatchlings, 3 fledglings, 2 nests at Hammonasset on 7/20

25 adults, 6 fledglings at Long Beach on 7/20

40 adults, 4 fledglings at Griswold Point on 7/20

60 adults, 2 nests at Long Beach on 7/20

7 pairs, 10 adults, 4 hatchlings, 2 fledglings, 2 nests at Hammonasset on 7/21
2 adults at Sandy/Morse Points on 7/21
45 adults, 5 fledglings at Milford Point on 7/21
36 adults, 14 nests at Menunketsuck on 7/22
17 adults, 3 fledglings, 2 nests at Hammonasset on 7/22

40 adults, 6 fledglings, 1 nest at Long Beach on 7/24

Common Tern

60 adults, 5 juveniles at Griswold Point on 7/18
2 adults at Bluff Point on 7/18
15 adults at Chaffinch Island on 7/18
23 adults, 2 fledglings at Thimble Islands on 7/19
30 adults at Milford Point on 7/19
25 adults, 5 juveniles at Compo Beach on 7/19

1 pair at Long Beach on 7/19

10 adults at Sandy/Morse Points on 7/20

6 adults at Horse Island, Joshua Cove on 7/20

1 pair at Sandy/Morse Points on 7/20

8 adults, 2 fledglings at Umbrella Island on 7/21
22 adults, 12 fledglings at Green Island on 7/21
1 pair, 2 fledglings at Kelsey Island on 7/21
6 adults at Darrow Rocks on 7/21
54 adults, 6 fledglings at Milford Point on 7/21
1 adult at Milford Point on 7/22
8 adults at Menunketsuck on 7/22
30 adults, 5 fledglings at Hammonasset on 7/22
7 adults at Sandy/Morse Points on 7/24

This concludes update #18 through 07/25/16 as of 12:00 p.m.

AAfCW 2016 Volunteer Update #17

This is the seventeenth weekly update by the Audubon Alliance for Coastal Waterbirds (AAfCW) for the 2016 season. Today's update includes reports of Piping Plover, American Oystercatcher, Least Tern and Common Tern from July 11 through 12:00 p.m. on July 18 with sightings of birds by volunteers and staff.

Informational updates:

While we are in mid-July and normally out of the nesting period by now the 2016 season still has late nests to monitor for multiple species along with hatchlings on several beaches. Please keep monitoring and reporting as you have all season! Temperatures should cool a bit this week before once again rising temperatures and humidity make it uncomfortable or dangerous for you and the young birds on the beach, so please skip monitoring during very hot conditions. The weather continues to be very good for beachgoers and your education of visitors is always welcome. We have heard a lot of great and positive stories from interactions with the public this year amidst the disturbances, so please keep them coming, too! Thank you all once again for this constant effort. It makes a huge difference for our birds.

Survey and monitoring updates:

Piping Plover

4 pairs, 2 adults, 10 hatchlings, 2 juveniles at Bluff Point on 7/11
6 adults, 4 hatchlings, 4 fledglings, 2 juveniles at Long Beach on 7/11
1 adult, 1 hatchling at Silver Sands State Park on 7/11
2 pairs, 1 adult, 7 hatchlings, 3 juveniles, 1 nest at Long Beach on 7/12
1 adult, 3 hatchlings at Short Beach on 7/12
1 adult, 1 hatchling at Silver Sands State Park on 7/12

5 adults, 2 fledglings, 1 nest at Long Beach on 7/12

1 pair, 9 adults, 7 hatchlings, 3 fledglings, 1 nest at Long Beach on 7/12

8 pairs, 12 adults, 5 hatchlings, 2 fledglings, 2 nests at Sandy/Morse Points on 7/12

17 adults, 1 hatchling, 9 fledglings at Sandy/Morse Points on 7/12

3 pairs, 1 hatchling, 2 fledglings, 1 nest at Sandy/Morse Points on 7/12

1 adult, 1 hatchling at Silver Sands State Park on 7/13
6 adults, 7 juveniles at Sandy/Morse Points on 7/13
4 pairs, 2 fledglings at Sandy/Morse Points on 7/13
4 pairs, 4 adults, 8 hatchlings at Griswold Point on 7/13

3 adults, 8 fledglings at Sandy/Morse Points on 7/13

1 pair, 10 adults, 7 fledglings, 1 nest at Long Beach on 7/13

4 adults, 3 hatchlings, 3 fledglings at Milford Point on 7/13

2 adults, 4 fledglings, 3 nests at Long Beach on 7/13

2 pairs, 3 adults, 6 hatchlings, 1 fledgling, 1 nest at Long Beach on 7/14

9 adults, 2 hatchlings at Sandy/Morse Points on 7/14

8 adults, 5 hatchlings, 5 fledglings at Milford Point on 7/14
1 adult, 1 hatchling at Silver Sands State Park on 7/15
5 pairs, 6 hatchlings, 4 fledglings at Milford Point on 7/15
1 pair, 4 hatchlings at Short Beach on 7/15

10 birds at Sandy/Morse Points on 7/15

1 adult, 1 hatchling at Silver Sands State Park on 7/15

3 pairs, 15 adults, 3 hatchlings, 8 fledglings at Milford Point on 7/15

1 adult, 1 hatchling at Silver Sands State Park on 7/16
6 adults, 7 hatchlings at Sandy/Morse Points on 7/16
2 pairs, 5 adults, 5 hatchlings, 1 nest at Hammonasset on 7/16
1 adult, 1 hatchling at Silver Sands State Park on 7/16
1 adult, 1 hatchling at Silver Sands State Park on 7/16

19 birds at Sandy/Morse Points on 7/16

3 pairs, 4 adults, 3 fledglings, 2 nests at Long Beach on 7/16

1 adult, 1 hatchling at Silver Sands State Park on 7/17
1 adult, 1 hatchling at Silver Sands State Park on 7/17

3 pairs, 2 adults, 7 hatchlings, 8 fledglings, 1 nest at Long Beach on 7/17

1 adult, 1 hatchling at Silver Sands State Park on 7/17

8 adults, 8 fledglings at Sandy/Morse Points on 7/17
1 adult, 1 hatchling at Silver Sands State Park on 7/18

American Oystercatcher

4 pairs, 4 adults, 2 hatchlings, 2 fledglings at Menunketsuck on 7/11
1 pair, 1 nest at Bluff Point on 7/11
3 pairs, 1 fledgling at Milford Point on 7/11

4 adults, 2 fledglings, 1 nest at Sandy/Morse Points on 7/12

1 pair, 1 nest at Compo Beach on 7/12

4 adults at Sandy/Morse Points on 7/12

2 adults at Long Beach on 7/12

1 adult at Long Beach on 7/12
1 pair at Sandy/Morse Points on 7/13
1 adult at Griswold Point on 7/13

3 adults at Sandy/Morse Points on 7/13

8 adults at Milford Point on 7/13

15 adults at Milford Point on 7/14

1 pair at Sandy/Morse Points on 7/14

1 pair, 1 nest at Compo Beach on 7/14
3 pairs, 5 adults, 1 fledgling at Milford Point on 7/15

4 adults at Sandy/Morse Points on 7/15

7 adults at Milford Point on 7/15

6 adults at Short Beach on 7/15
1 adult at Penfield Reef on 7/16

1 adult at Sandy/Morse Points on 7/16

1 adult, 1 nest at Compo Beach on 7/16
2 pairs at Sandy/Morse Points on 7/16
1 adult at Long Beach on 7/16

3 adults at Sandy/Morse Points on 7/17

Least Tern

2 adults at Sherwood Island State Park on 7/12

15 pairs, 2 hatchlings, 1 fledgling at Long Beach on 7/12

1 adult at Compo Beach on 7/12
11 pairs, 18 adults, 4 hatchlings, 7 nests at Long Beach on 7/12

19 adults at Long Beach on 7/12

1 adult at Silver Sands State Park on 7/13

2 adults at Sandy/Morse Points on 7/13

65 adults at Milford Point on 7/13
6 pairs, 7 adults at Long Beach on 7/13

26 pairs, 35 adults, 4 hatchlings, 8 fledglings, 12 nests at Griswold Point on 7/13

2 pairs, 12 adults, 2 nests at Long Beach on 7/13

53 adults, 2 hatchlings, 5 fledglings, 10 nests at Milford Point on 7/14
16 pairs, 34 adults, 4 hatchlings, 2 fledglings, 8 nests at Long Beach on 7/14

1 adult at Sandy/Morse Points on 7/15

1 adult at East Broadway Milford on 7/15

50 adults at Milford Point on 7/15

5 adults at Silver Sands State Park on 7/15
37 pairs, 10 adults, 4 hatchlings, 7 fledglings, 23 nests at Milford Point on 7/15

4 adults at Sandy/Morse Points on 7/16

12 pairs, 16 adults, 4 nests, 8 fledglings at Long Beach on 7/16

Common Tern

5 adults at Sherwood Island State Park on 7/12
18 adults at Compo Beach on 7/12

16 adults at Sandy/Morse Points on 7/12

4 adults at Long Beach on 7/12

2 adults at Silver Sands State Park on 7/13
3 adults at Sandy/Morse Points on 7/13
18 adults at Griswold Point on 7/13

8 adults at Milford Point on 7/13

6 adults at Milford Point on 7/14
1 pair at Long Beach on 7/14
12 adults at Compo Beach on 7/14
6 adults at Sherwood Island State Park on 7/15

3 adults at Milford Point on 7/15

6 adults at Sandy/Morse Points on 7/15

4 adults at Silver Sands State Park on 7/15
21 adults at Milford Point on 7/15
19 adults at Sandy/Morse Points on 7/16
24 adults at Hammonasset on 7/16

2 adults at Silver Sands State Park on 7/17
3 adults at Long Beach on 7/17

5 adults at Sandy/Morse Points on 7/17
5 adults at Silver Sands State Park on 7/17

This concludes update #17 through 07/18/16 as of 1:00 p.m.

AAfCW 2016 Volunteer Update #16

This is the sixteenth weekly update by the Audubon Alliance for Coastal Waterbirds (AAfCW) for the 2016 season. Today's update includes reports of Piping Plover, American Oystercatcher, Least Tern and Common Tern from July 5 through 12:00 p.m. on July 11 with sightings of birds by volunteers and staff.

Informational updates:

We still have a number of beaches with young birds on them and monitoring will be very necessary throughout July into August. Your observations of disturbances including kite flying or surfing, trash and bonfires, dogs or other human activities are always appreciated as well. Some individual birds that have completed the breeding season are beginning to disperse or even migrate, so please keep an eye on our beaches for banded or flagged Piping Plovers or American Oystercatchers moving into Connecticut from neighboring states or regions. Please remember to email Laura.Saucier@ct.gov along with us if you see any banded or flagged birds, and to get as much information about them and their tagging information as possible (within reason and with the safety of the birds being paramount). Photos are always helpful, too. Thank you!

Survey and monitoring updates:

Piping Plover
1 pair, 1 hatchling at Silver Sands State Park on 7/5
1 pair, 4 hatchlings at Short Beach on 7/5

3 pairs, 1 adult, 2 hatchlings, 9 fledglings, 1 nest at Long Beach on 7/6

1 pair, 1 hatchling at Silver Sands State Park on 7/6
1 pair, 4 hatchlings at Short Beach on 7/6
6 pairs, 7 hatchlings, 4 fledglings at Milford Point on 7/6
1 pair, 1 hatchling at Silver Sands State Park on 7/6

6 adults, 2 hatchlings, 5 fledglings at Sandy/Morse Points on 7/6

4 pairs, 3 adults, 6 hatchlings, 6 fledglings, 1 nest at Long Beach on 7/6

11 adults at Long Beach on 7/6

4 adults, 1 hatchling, 11 juveniles at Sandy/Morse Points on 7/6
1 pair, 1 hatchling at Silver Sands State Park on 7/7
1 adult, 1 hatchling at Silver Sands State Park on 7/8

2 pairs, 16 adults/juveniles, 3 fledglings, 1 nest at Long Beach on 7/8

9 adults, 7 fledglings at Sandy/Morse Points on 7/9

1 pair, 1 hatchling at Silver Sands State Park on 7/9

1 adult, 1 hatchling at Silver Sands State Park on 7/9
3 pairs, 2 adults, 2 hatchlings, 4 fledglings, 1 nest at Hammonasset on 7/9
1 adult, 1 hatchling at Silver Sands State Park on 7/10

2 pairs, 7 adults, 7 hatchlings, 11 fledglings at Long Beach on 7/10

2 pairs, 1 nest at Long Beach on 7/10

1 pair, 18 adults, 1 hatchling, 5 fledglings at Sandy/Morse Points on 7/10

2 adults, 1 hatchling, 4 fledglings at Sandy/Morse Points on 7/11

American Oystercatcher

1 pair, 2 hatchlings at Branford Harbor Channel Marker on 7/6
1 adult at Umbrella Island on 7/6

1 adult at Sandy/Morse Points on 7/6

1 pair, 1 fledgling at Green Island on 7/6
1 pair at Long Beach on 7/6
1 pair, 1 hatchling at Darrow Rocks on 7/6
1 adult at Sandy/Morse Points on 7/6
1 pair, 1 nest at Compo Beach on 7/8

2 adults at Long Beach on 7/8

1 pair, 1 adult at Sandy/Morse Points on 7/9

3 adults at Silver Sands State Park on 7/10
1 pair, 1 nest at Compo Beach on 7/10
3 adults at Sandy/Morse Points on 7/10

Least Tern

1 adult at Silver Sands State Park on 7/6
2 adults at Sandy/Morse Points on 7/6

7 pairs, 2 adults, 3 nests at Long Beach on 7/6

4 adults at Sandy/Morse Points on 7/6
8 pairs, 4 hatchlings, 3 nests at Long Beach on 7/6

18 adults at Long Beach on 7/6

5 adults, 1 hatchling at Silver Sands State Park on 7/8

15 adults, 3 hatchlings at Long Beach on 7/8

6 adults at Sandy/Morse Points on 7/9

2 adults at Silver Sands State Park on 7/9
4 adults at Silver Sands State Park on 7/10
14 adults, 6 hatchlings at Long Beach on 7/10

36 pairs, 3 hatchlings at Long Beach on 7/10
2 adults at Sandy/Morse Points on 7/10

2 adults at Sandy/Morse Points on 7/11

Common Tern

1 adult at Silver Sands State Park on 7/6

2 adults at Sandy/Morse Points on 7/6

10 pairs at Green Island on 7/6
9 adults at Darrow Rocks, Kelsey Island on 7/6

1 adult at Long Beach on 7/6

6 adults at Menunketsuck on 7/6
2 adults at Silver Sands State Park on 7/8
10 adults at Hammonasset on 7/9
2 adults at Silver Sands State Park on 7/10
1 adult at Long Beach on 7/10

2 adults at Sandy/Morse Points on 7/10

This concludes update #16 through 07/11/16 as of 2:00 p.m.

WildLife Guards Monitoring

What a week. All of us have been extremely busy and it will continue Sunday and…well, every day this summer. Here are a couple photos of the Bridgeport WildLife Guards in action on Friday as they monitored the Piping Plover pair with one chick at Pleasure Beach.

They also recorded all the other bird species that they saw on the shoreline while learning more about our avian neighbors. The Guards noted the chick flying yesterday and classified it as finally having fledged officially – woo! Now they will have the opportunity to see how long each of the parents remains with it, discover more about how the family behaves, and search for other dispersing and migrant Piping Plovers visiting their beach as a stopover site. That is only one small facet of what their full schedules will entail each day. Yep…busy!

AAfCW 2016 Volunteer Update #15

This is the fifteenth weekly update by the Audubon Alliance for Coastal Waterbirds (AAfCW) for the 2016 season. Today's update includes reports of Piping Plover, American Oystercatcher, Least Tern and Common Tern from June 27 through 11:00 p.m. on July 4 with sightings of birds by volunteers and staff.

Informational updates:

Thank you to all who went out and monitored during this very busy Fourth of July weekend! Please keep an eye on the weather this week as our forecast includes temperatures nearing 90 and heat indices that could be well into the 90s or near 100. Your safety is paramount and very warm temperatures under the hot summer sun can be tough on young birds and nests, too. Please skip monitoring if you feel it is too warm and also be sure to avoid the potential thunderstorms we may have this week on multiple days. Thank you all for your work!

Survey and monitoring updates:

Piping Plover
19 adults/juveniles, 3 hatchlings, 4 fledglings at Sandy/Morse Points on 6/27

4 pairs, 8 adults, 9 hatchlings, 4 fledglings, 1 nest at Long Beach on 6/28

18 adults, 2 hatchlings, 6 fledglings at Sandy/Morse Points on 6/29

16 adults, 7 fledglings, 2 hatchlings, 4 unknown at Sandy/Morse Points on 6/29

5 pairs, 7 adults, 3 hatchlings, 11 fledglings at Sandy/Morse Points on 6/29

3 pairs, 1 nest at Milford Point on 6/29

4 adults, 8 fledglings, 1 nest at Long Beach on 6/29

5 pairs, 1 adult, 4 hatchlings, 3 fledglings, 1 nest at Long Beach on 6/30

3 pairs, 6 adults, 6 hatchlings, 3 nests at Bluff Point on 6/30

8 adults, 2 fledglings, 1 nest at Long Beach on 7/1

1 pair, 2 hatchlings at Silver Sands State Park on 7/1
1 pair, 1 hatchling at Silver Sands State Park on 7/2

27 adults/juveniles/fledglings, 1 hatchling at Sandy/Morse Points on 7/2

6 adults, 6 hatchlings, 3 fledglings, 9 juveniles, 1 nest at Long Beach on 7/3

1 pair, 1 hatchling at Silver Sands State Park on 7/3

6 pairs, 4 adults, 10 hatchlings, 13 fledglings, 1 nest at Long Beach on 7/3

19 adults, 4 hatchlings, 3 fledglings at Sandy/Morse Points on 7/3

5 pairs, 6 hatchlings, 7 fledglings, 1 nest at Milford Point on 7/4
1 pair, 1 hatchling at Silver Sands State Park on 7/4

13 adults, 11 hatchlings, 6 fledglings at Sandy/Morse Points on 7/4

American Oystercatcher

1 adult at Long Beach on 6/27

4 adults at Sandy/Morse Points on 6/27

1 adult at Pleasure Beach on 6/27

2 adults at Long Beach on 6/28

1 adult at Milford Point on 6/29

1 pair, 1 adult at Sandy/Morse Points on 6/29

1 pair, 1 adult at Sandy/Morse Points on 7/2

1 pair, 2 adults at Long Beach on 7/3

9 adults at Sandy/Morse Points on 7/3

3 pairs at Milford Point on 7/4

4 adults at Sandy/Morse Points on 7/4

Least Tern

3 adults, 1 nest at Sandy/Morse Points on 6/27

15 pairs at Long Beach on 6/28

2 adults at Sandy/Morse Points on 6/29

3 adults, 1 nest at Sandy/Morse Points on 6/29

2 adults at Sandy/Morse Points on 6/29

2 pairs, 29 adults, 3 nests at Milford Point on 6/29

15 adults, 1 nest at Long Beach on 6/29

2 pairs, 6 adults, 3 nests at Bluff Point on 6/30

20 adults at Long Beach on 6/30

6 adults at Long Beach on 7/1

14 adults, 8 nests at Long Beach on 7/3

13 adults at Long Beach on 7/3

2 adults at Sandy/Morse Points on 7/3

50 adults, 4 nests at Milford Point on 7/4

Common Tern

2 adults at Sandy/Morse Points on 6/29

7 adults at Sandy/Morse Points on 7/3

20 adults at Milford Point on 7/4

This concludes update #15 through 07/04/16 as of 11:45 p.m.

Fireworks Assistance & Fourth of July Weekend

This Friday, July 1, will be the fireworks night for several municipalities. CT DEEP and AAfCW staff will be covering various sites but we are asking for volunteer assistance at Sandy/Morse Points in West Haven where the event is scheduled to begin at 9:00 Friday night. CT DEEP's Rebecca Foster will be on hand to coordinate monitoring coverage. We would like several volunteers to join us and help. Please arrive by 6:30 to serve as educators and as an extra set of eyes and ears for the police officer who should be enforcing the closure of Sandy Point to protect the birds. The area should be cordoned off as it usually is and once the event starts these volunteers can probably go home since spectators focus on the fireworks and then depart. Please email ctwaterbirds@gmail.com and rsuzf@hotmail.com if you can assist this Friday night in West Haven, and thank you!

Any extra monitoring that you can do at Bluff Point, Milford beaches, Long Beach, and Sandy/Morse Points on the Fourth of July holiday weekend would be a tremendous help. You do not need to schedule this monitoring and can go when available. CT DEEP is particularly interested in receiving chick counts of the number of young birds you see when monitoring. Chick survival during the holiday weekend is problematic given all the beach parties and crowds. An additional presence on the beach educating people about the birds and getting us information on chick survival would be wonderful.

If the worst case happens and you find a dead chick that did not die from apparent natural causes...

Step 1. DON'T DISTURB THE SITE - only if the person who stepped on the chick is present and belligerent so that you feel unsafe - CALL 911 - otherwise

Step 2. Call Law Enforcement - DEEP 24hr Emergency Dispatcher 860-424-3333, USFWS Agent Tom Ricardi cell 860-280-4894 or USFWS Officer Doug Beaudreau cell 401-354-9329 (or all three if you get no response).

Step 3. Take a breath and fill out the Incident Observation Report. There are a lot of things to look around at to report on for this form, so take your time as it may be needed for the future. Try to keep other beachgoers away from the area if law enforcement is coming so that the scene remains as you found it. If you have a camera take photos. If law enforcement is NOT coming ask them how you should proceed, especially if there is a dead chick, otherwise DON'T TOUCH or PICK UP the chick - and don't let others touch it.

Please let Laura, Rebecca and us know about such incidents only after all of the above steps have been taken. We are the last people to contact because we do not have law enforcement powers.

Thank you again for all your help!

AAfCW 2016 Volunteer Update #14

This is the fourteenth weekly update by the Audubon Alliance for Coastal Waterbirds (AAfCW) for the 2016 season. Today's update includes reports of Piping Plover, American Oystercatcher, Least Tern and Common Tern from June 20 through 12:00 p.m. on June 27 with sightings of birds by volunteers and staff.

Informational updates:

Apart from a chance of thunderstorms on a couple of days we should once again have average temperatures and frequent sunshine making for great monitoring conditions. We continue to face a number of challenges with disturbances this year. Please keep reporting any that you observe to CT DEEP immediately, or CT DEEP EnCon Police if the threat or the observation is of a "take" level.

Please also remember that DEEP Wildlife Division is requesting that volunteer Piping Plover monitors assigned to Milford Point NOT monitor the extreme tip of the sand bar as of June 24th. Please see the attached image. Rebecca Foster (DEEP Shorebird Technician) reported that walking out to the extreme end of the sandbar had to be done very careful to avoid stepping on newly hatched Least Tern chicks. There were a minimum of 7 newly hatched Least Tern chicks and 2 broods of Piping Plovers with hatchlings outside of the string fence on the narrow tip. This area is unfortunately not feasible to fence given the tides.

Because we are limited as to what we can do to protect vulnerable chicks out at the end of the sandbar, we will minimize some of the traffic by limiting our presence even though it means we get less data. At this crucial time in development, minimizing disturbance will benefit the birds more than our monitoring/education efforts. This is a temporary measure that we will lift after the chicks get a bit older. We will keep you posted and let you know when conditions there change. Thank you for your cooperation!

Survey and monitoring updates:

Piping Plover
4 pairs, 2 adults, 3 fledglings, 2 nests at Long Beach on 6/20
1 pair, 1 nest at Short Beach on 6/20
7 pairs, 6 fledglings, 5 nests at Bluff Point on 6/21

3 pairs, 5 adults, 3 hatchlings, 9 fledglings, 2 nests at Long Beach on 6/21

5 pairs, 1 adult, 4 hatchlings, 4 nests at Griswold Point on 6/21

2 pairs, 6 adults, 3 hatchlings, 4 fledglings, 1 nest at Sandy/Morse Points on 6/21

6 adults, 2 fledglings, 1 nest at Long Beach on 6/22

1 adult, 1 nest at Silver Sands State Park on 6/22
9 pairs, 11 hatchlings, 6 nests at Milford Point on 6/22
18 adults, 5 hatchlings, 9 nests at Sandy/Morse Points on 6/22
15 adults, 4 hatchlings at Griswold Point on 6/22

4 pairs, 6 adults, 4 hatchlings, 4 fledglings at Sandy/Morse Points on 6/22

3 pairs, 2 adults, 7 hatchlings at Hammonasset on 6/23
13 adults, 3 hatchlings, 3 nests at Milford Point on 6/23

12 adults, 6 hatchlings, 2 fledglings at Sandy/Morse Points on 6/23

6 pairs, 4 adults, 11 hatchlings, 3 nests at Milford Point on 6/24

5 pairs, 8 adults, 2 nests at Long Beach on 6/24

5 pairs, 6 adults, 3 hatchlings, 9 fledglings at Sandy/Morse Points on 6/25

1 pair, 3 hatchlings at Silver Sands State Park on 6/26

1 pair, 15 adults, 4 hatchlings, 7 fledglings at Sandy/Morse Points on 6/26

5 pairs, 3 adults, 10 hatchlings, 2 nests at Long Beach on 6/26

1 pair, 1 hatchling at Pleasure Beach on 6/27

American Oystercatcher
3 adults at Long Beach on 6/20
1 pair at Long Beach on 6/20
3 pairs, 1 nest at Sandy/Morse Points on 6/21
1 adult, 1 hatchling at Bluff Point on 6/21   
1 pair, 2 adults, 1 nest at Griswold Point on 6/21

3 adults at Long Beach on 6/21

1 adult, 1 nest at Compo Beach on 6/22
4 adults at Sandy/Morse Points on 6/22
2 adults at Griswold Point on 6/22
4 adults at Sandy/Morse Points on 6/22
4 adults at Hammonasset on 6/23
1 pair, 5 adults, 1 fledgling at Milford Point on 6/23
1 pair at Pleasure Beach on 6/23
9 adults at Long Beach on 6/23

6 adults at Sandy/Morse Points on 6/23

2 pairs, 1 nest at Hammonasset on 6/24

5 adults at Milford Point on 6/24

3 pairs, 1 nest at Sandy/Morse Points on 6/24

1 pair, 1 adult, 1 nest at Sandy/Morse Points on 6/25

3 pairs, 1 adult, 1 nest at Sandy/Morse Points on 6/26

Least Tern
6 pairs, 3 adults, 7 nests at Long Beach on 6/20
11 pairs, 8 nests at Long Beach on 6/20
3 pairs, 1 nest at Sandy/Morse Points on 6/21
28 pairs, 9 hatchlings, 23 nests at Bluff Point on 6/21
30 pairs, 16 adults at Griswold Point on 6/21

15 pairs at Long Beach on 6/21

1 adult at Compo Beach on 6/22
12 pairs, 11 adults, 6 hatchlings, 5 nests at Milford Point on 6/22
2 adults at Sandy/Morse Points on 6/22
48 adults at Griswold Point on 6/22
50 adults, 2 hatchlings, 6 nests at Milford Point on 6/23

1 pair at Sandy/Morse Points on 6/23

70 adults at Milford Point on 6/24

9 pairs, 8 adults, 6 nests at Hammonasset on 6/24
3 pairs, 1 nest at Sandy/Morse Points on 6/24

11 adults at Long Beach on 6/24

2 pairs, 2 nests at Sandy/Morse Points on 6/25

1 pair, 1 nest at Sandy/Morse Points on 6/26

16 pairs, 1 fledgling, 2 nests at Long Beach on 6/26

Common Tern
2 adults at Bluff Point on 6/21
24 adults at Compo Beach on 6/22
4 adults at Griswold Point on 6/22
7 adults at Hammonasset on 6/23
3 adults at Milford Point on 6/23
3 adults at Hammonasset on 6/24

1 pair at Milford Point on 6/24

This concludes update #14 through 06/27/16 as of 4:00 p.m.

Piping Plover Help

Our work to protect Piping Plovers like this one and other endangered coastal waterbirds like the American Oystercatcher, Least Tern, and Common Tern continues through the end of the summer with the Audubon Alliance for Coastal Waterbirds. This has been a very challenging year with some unfortunate incidents which underlines the need for your help more than ever. If you would like to join us on the beach in Connecticut this summer and for years to come please email us at ctwaterbirds@gmail.com to sign up.

Even if you cannot regularly monitor a beach you may be able to assist in outreach or education, lend a hand at string fencing and signage parties, or survey for other waterbird species. We usually have at least 200, and sometimes 300 or 400, dedicated, caring volunteers each year, and we would love to have you become one of them. Thank you!

Milford Point CT DEEP Request

DEEP Wildlife Division is requesting that volunteer Piping Plover monitors assigned to Milford Point NOT monitor the extreme tip of the sand bar as of June 24th. Please see the below image. Rebecca Foster (DEEP Shorebird Technician) reported that walking out to the extreme end of the sandbar had to be done very careful to avoid stepping on newly hatched Least Tern chicks. There were a minimum of 7 newly hatched Least Tern chicks and 2 broods of Piping Plovers with hatchlings outside of the string fence on the narrow tip. This area is unfortunately not feasible to fence given the tides.

Because we are limited as to what we can do to protect vulnerable chicks out at the end of the sandbar, we will minimize some of the traffic by limiting our presence even though it means we get less data. At this crucial time in development, minimizing disturbance will benefit the birds more than our monitoring/education efforts. This is a temporary measure that we will lift after the chicks get a bit older. We will keep you posted and let you know when conditions there change. Thank you for your cooperation!

AAfCW 2016 Volunteer Update #13

This is the thirteenth weekly update by the Audubon Alliance for Coastal Waterbirds (AAfCW) for the 2016 season. Today's update includes reports of Piping Plover, American Oystercatcher, Least Tern and Common Tern from June 13 through 12:00 p.m. on June 20 with sightings of birds by volunteers and staff.

Informational updates:

Yet again this upcoming week should feature average temperatures and frequent sunshine making for great monitoring conditions. Please be mindful of possible thunderstorms Tuesday and Thursday. Another recurring theme is that we still have a multitude of birds of all four of our focal species across our beaches and islands at various stages of life - some about to fledge, many hatchlings, nests about to hatch, and more nests being found. High tidal departures this week may impact more nests. Please keep educating all the beachgoers you can during this very busy coastal season as we enter summer and see more people, students to tourists, visiting our shore.

Survey and monitoring updates:

Piping Plover
1 pair, 1 nest at Short Beach on 6/13
7 pairs, 9 hatchlings, 3 nests at Long Beach on 6/13

21 adults, 9 hatchlings, 2 nests at Sandy/Morse Points on 6/14

4 pairs, 2 adults, 9 hatchlings, 2 nests at Long Beach on 6/14

24 adults, 8 hatchlings, 1 nest at Sandy/Morse Points on 6/14

20 adults, 2 hatchlings, 2 nests at Long Beach on 6/14

4 pairs, 2 adults, 7 hatchlings, 1 fledgling at Hammonasset on 6/15

2 pairs, 5 adults, 8 hatchlings, 3 nests at Long Beach on 6/15

5 pairs, 2 adults, 4 hatchlings, 4 nests at Griswold Point on 6/15
7 pairs, 2 adults, 6 hatchlings, 6 nests at Bluff Point on 6/15

16 adults, 14 hatchlings, 2 nests at Long Beach on 6/15

6 adults at Sandy/Morse Points on 6/15

19 adults, 4 hatchlings at Long Beach on 6/15

5 pairs, 4 nests at Milford Point on 6/16
1 pair, 1 nest at Silver Sands State Park on 6/16

10 adults, 3 hatchlings, 5 fledglings at Sandy/Morse Points on 6/16

6 pairs, 2 adults, 3 hatchlings, 7 fledglings, 3 nests at Long Beach on 6/16
12 pairs, 7 hatchlings, 8 nests at Milford Point on 6/17
4 pairs, 2 adults, 8 hatchlings at Hammonasset on 6/17

4 pairs, 7 adults, 8 hatchlings, 10 fledglings at Sandy/Morse Points on 6/17

5 pairs, 4 nests at Milford Point on 6/17

1 pair, 11 adults, 3 fledglings, 2 nests at Long Beach on 6/17

10 adults, 2 hatchlings at Griswold Point on 6/18
4 pairs, 1 adult, 8 hatchlings, 1 nest at Hammonasset on 6/18
1 pair, 1 nest at Silver Sands State Park on 6/19
7 pairs, 10 hatchlings, 4 nests at Milford Point on 6/19
1 pair, 1 nest at Silver Sands State Park on 6/19
3 pairs, 2 adults, 1 hatchling, 2 nests at Long Beach on 6/19

2 pairs, 10 adults, 13 hatchlings, 2 fledglings, 2 nests at Long Beach on 6/19

6 pairs, 12 adults, 13 hatchlings, 1 nest at Sandy/Morse Points on 6/19

11 adults, 10 hatchlings at Sandy/Morse Points on 6/20

American Oystercatcher
 1 pair, 1 nest at Long Beach on 6/13
1 pair at Pleasure Beach on 6/13

1 pair at Great Captain's Island on 6/13

1 pair at Charles Island on 6/14
3 pairs at Milford Point on 6/14
3 pairs at Sandy/Morse Points on 6/14
1 pair at Sandy/Morse Points on 6/14

2 pairs at Sandy/Morse Points on 6/14

1 adult at Long Beach on 6/14

2 pairs, 1 nest at Hammonasset on 6/15
1 adult, 1 nest at Griswold Point on 6/15
1 pair, 1 hatchling at Bluff Point on 6/15
3 pairs at Sandy/Morse Points on 6/15

1 adult at Long Beach on 6/15

1 adult at Long Beach on 6/15

3 pairs, 1 hatchling at Milford Point on 6/16
1 pair, 1 nest at Compo Beach on 6/16
12 pairs, 3 adults, 4 hatchlings, 3 fledglings, 6 nests at Cockenoe Island on 6/16
2 pairs at Salt Island on 6/17
5 pairs, 2 fledglings, 3 nests at Menunketsuck on 6/17
1 pair at Duck Island on 6/17

2 pairs at Sandy/Morse Points on 6/17
1 pair at Great Captain's Island on 6/18

1 pair at Griswold Point on 6/18
3 pairs, 1 hatchling at Milford Point on 6/19

2 adults at Long Beach on 6/19

1 pair at Long Beach on 6/19

2 pairs, 1 adult at Sandy/Morse Points on 6/19

4 adults at Sandy/Morse Points on 6/20

Least Tern

12 pairs, 10 adults, 6 nests at Milford Point on 6/14
4 pairs, 2 nests at Sandy/Morse Points on 6/14

4 adults, 1 nest at Sandy/Morse Points on 6/14

30 adults at Long Beach on 6/14
17 adults at Long Beach on 6/14

75 adults at Griswold Point on 6/15
18 pairs, 8 adults, 18 nests at Bluff Point on 6/15
3 pairs, 2 nests at Sandy/Morse Points on 6/15
1 adult at Sandy/Morse Points on 6/15

13 adults at Long Beach on 6/15

16 adults, 1 nest at Long Beach on 6/15

4 pairs, 2 nests at Long Beach on 6/15

45 adults, 5 nests at Milford Point on 6/16

6 adults at Sandy/Morse Points on 6/16

14 pairs, 14 nests at Menunketsuck on 6/17

6 adults, 1 nest at Sandy/Morse Points on 6/17

1 pair, 10 adults at Long Beach on 6/17

60 pairs, 10 nests at Milford Point on 6/19
4 pairs, 4 nests at Long Beach on 6/19

22 adults, 2 hatchlings, 6 nests at Long Beach on 6/19

1 pair, 6 adults, 1 nest at Sandy/Morse Points on 6/19

5 adults at Sandy/Morse Points on 6/20

Common Tern

5 adults at Long Beach on 6/14

2 pairs at Hammonasset on 6/15

4 adults at Sandy/Morse Points on 6/16
300 adults, 150 nests at Cockenoe Island on 6/16
1 pair, 1 nest at Hammonasset on 6/17
6 pairs, 6 nests at Menunketsuck on 6/17
1 pair, 1 nest at Hammonasset on 6/18

This concludes update #13 through 06/20/16 as of 2:00 p.m.

AAfCW 2016 Volunteer Update #12

This is the twelfth weekly update by the Audubon Alliance for Coastal Waterbirds (AAfCW) for the 2016 season. Today's update includes reports of Piping Plover, American Oystercatcher, Least Tern and Common Tern from June 6 through 12:00 p.m. on June 13 with sightings of birds by volunteers and staff.

Informational updates:

The upcoming week should feature average temperatures and frequent sunshine making for great monitoring conditions. Given that this has been a difficult year for Piping Plover and sometimes American Oystercatcher nests, often due to tides, we still have re-nesting birds of both species plus all of the hatchlings and other birds nearing their fledge dates. Please keep reporting any signs of predators that you observe along with other beach observations such as human activities or potential disturbances.

Survey and monitoring updates:

Piping Plover

5 pairs, 3 adults, 7 hatchlings at Long Beach on 6/6
7 pairs, 2 adults, 14 hatchlings at Long Beach on 6/6

1 pair, 2 hatchlings at Pleasure Beach on 6/6
1 pair, 1 nest at Short Beach on 6/6
1 adult, 1 nest at Silver Sands State Park on 6/6

3 pairs, 5 adults, 7 hatchlings, 1 nest at Sandy/Morse Points on 6/6

6 pairs, 3 adults, 11 hatchlings, 1 nest at Long Beach on 6/7

6 pairs, 2 adults, 13 hatchlings, 3 nests at Long Beach on 6/7

5 pairs, 3 adults, 11 hatchlings, 1 nest at Sandy/Morse Points on 6/7

7 adults, 7 hatchlings at Long Beach on 6/7

21 adults, 5 hatchlings at Sandy/Morse Points on 6/8
3 pairs, 4 adults, 1 nest at Hammonasset on 6/8
1 adult, 1 nest at Silver Sands State Park on 6/8

2 pairs, 2 adults, 2 nests at Milford Point on 6/8

4 pairs, 6 adults, 12 hatchlings, 2 nests at Long Beach on 6/8

1 adult, 1 nest at Silver Sands State Park on 6/9
4 pairs, 3 nests at Milford Point on 6/9
3 pairs, 1 adult, 3 nests at Sandy Point Island on 6/9

1 pair, 10 adults, 3 hatchlings at Sandy/Morse Points on 6/9

5 adults, 3 nests at Long Beach on 6/9

2 pairs, 5 adults, 3 fledglings, 4 nests at Long Beach on 6/10

7 adults, 11 hatchlings at Sandy/Morse Points on 6/10
5 adults, 10 hatchlings at Sandy/Morse Points on 6/10

3 pairs, 1 adult, 5 hatchlings, 1 nest at Hammonasset on 6/11

6 pairs, 5 adults, 4 hatchlings, 2 nests at Long Beach on 6/12

3 pairs, 5 hatchlings, 1 nest at Hammonasset on 6/12

1 pair, 1 nest at Silver Sands State Park on 6/12

5 pairs, 3 adults, 9 hatchlings, 2 nests at Long Beach on 6/12

5 pairs, 7 adults, 15 hatchlings, 1 nest at Sandy/Morse Points on 6/12

8 adults, 8 hatchlings, 1 nest at Sandy/Morse Points on 6/12

3 adults, 6 hatchlings at Sandy/Morse Points on 6/13

American Oystercatcher

1 pair at Long Beach on 6/6
1 pair at Long Beach on 6/6

1 pair, 1 nest at Pleasure Beach on 6/6

2 pairs, 1 adult at Sandy/Morse Points on 6/6
1 pair at Long Beach on 6/7

1 pair, 2 hatchlings at Fish Islands on 6/7
1 pair, 2 hatchlings at Crab Island on 6/7

3 pairs, 1 nest at Sandy/Morse Points on 6/7

1 adult at Long Beach on 6/7

1 pair at Long Beach on 6/7
2 pairs at Sandy/Morse Points on 6/8
2 pairs, 1 nest at Hammonasset on 6/8
3 pairs at Sandy/Morse Points on 6/8
1 pair, 1 hatchling at Tuxis Island on 6/8
2 pairs, 2 nests at Shore Rocks on 6/8

7 adults at Milford Point on 6/8

1 pair at Long Beach on 6/8

1 pair at Long Beach on 6/9
1 pair at Pleasure Beach on 6/9

3 adults at Sandy/Morse Points on 6/9

7 pairs, 11 adults, 11 hatchlings, 1 nest at Sandy Point Island on 6/9
1 pair, 2 hatchlings at Fish Islands on 6/10
1 pair, 2 hatchlings at Crab Island on 6/10
2 pairs at Sandy/Morse Points on 6/10
1 pair, 2 hatchlings, 1 nest at Bluff Point on 6/10

3 adults at Sandy/Morse Points on 6/10

2 pairs, 1 nest at Hammonasset on 6/11
3 adults at Long Beach on 6/11
2 pairs, 1 nest at Hammonasset on 6/12
1 pair, 1 nest at Compo Beach on 6/12

1 pair at Long Beach on 6/12

2 pairs, 1 adult at Sandy/Morse Points on 6/12

2 adults at Sandy/Morse Points on 6/12

Least Tern
20 pairs, 3 adults, 12 nests at Long Beach on 6/7

28 adults at Long Beach on 6/7

15 adults at Long Beach on 6/7

10 adults at Sandy/Morse Points on 6/8

1 pair, 29 adults, 2 nests at Milford Point on 6/8

12 pairs, 6 adults, 8 nests at Long Beach on 6/8

8 adults at Sandy/Morse Points on 6/9

25 adults, 3 nests at Long Beach on 6/9

20 adults, 2 nests at Long Beach on 6/10

6 adults at Sandy/Morse Points on 6/10

1 pair, 4 adults, 1 nest at Sandy/Morse Points on 6/10

23 adults at Hammonasset on 6/11
8 pairs, 12 adults, 3 nests at Long Beach on 6/11
8 pairs, 5 adults at Hammonasset on 6/12

13 pairs, 3 adults at Long Beach on 6/12

3 pairs, 6 adults, 3 nests at Sandy/Morse Points on 6/12

2 adults at Sandy/Morse Points on 6/12

3 adults at Sandy/Morse Points on 6/13

Common Tern

3 pairs at Crab Island on 6/7

1 adult at Long Beach on 6/7

6 pairs at Shore Rocks on 6/8
1 adult at Long Beach on 6/9
3 pairs at Crab Island on 6/10
9 adults at Hammonasset on 6/11
8 pairs at Hammonasset on 6/12

This concludes update #12 through 06/13/16 as of 1:30 p.m.

Fish Crows

Every year in the Audubon Alliance for Coastal Waterbirds brings new challenges, but the Fish Crow (Corvus ossifragus) is a persistent problem across Connecticut. These clever birds know how to find Piping Plover nests when they are exclosed or not, sometimes devouring eggs or causing it to be abandoned regardless. They patrol the coast for all sorts of young birds and eggs to eat, and while I would much prefer them to stick to European Starlings and House Sparrows, they have a taste for the susceptible endangered beach birds.

They are sometimes so aware that the chicks have hatched they will often predate the tiny birds in only a day or two. People exacerbate the problem and increase Fish Crow populations and presence by leaving tasty trash strewn about beaches, islands and marshes. Even at home our poor waste practices can have a negative impact in this way. If you go to the shore this summer please be sure you and everyone else cleans up the beach, wherever you are.

AAfCW 2016 Volunteer Update #11

This is the eleventh weekly update by the Audubon Alliance for Coastal Waterbirds (AAfCW) for the 2016 season. Today's update includes reports of Piping Plover, American Oystercatcher, Least Tern and Common Tern from May 31 through 11:00 a.m. on June 6 with sightings of birds by volunteers and staff.

Informational updates:

Beaches continue to see a high amount of human traffic, though that may change soon as the June pattern should trend to cooler and wetter conditions in the next week or two. This should be the warmest day of the week. We have a good chance to have a very strong year of fledged Piping Plovers if we can all continue to monitor as much as possible while they are at this vulnerable stage of life. Thank you for all making a real difference on our beaches in picking up trash, talking to beachgoers, maintaining fencing and signage, reporting loose dogs, educating boaters, and everything all of you do every day to facilitate a successful season.

Survey and monitoring updates:

Piping Plover
1 pair, 1 nest at Silver Sands State Park on 5/31

5 pairs, 2 adults, 10 hatchlings at Long Beach on 5/31

1 pair, 8 adults, 10 hatchlings, 2 nests at Sandy/Morse Points on 5/31

1 pair, 8 adults, 7 hatchlings, 1 nest at Sandy/Morse Points on 6/1

14 adults, 12 hatchlings at Sandy/Morse Points on 6/1

1 adult at Short Beach on 6/1

6 pairs, 1 adult, 10 hatchlings, 3 nests at Long Beach on 6/1
5 pairs, 2 adults, 10 hatchlings, 3 nests at Griswold Point on 6/1

3 pairs, 10 hatchlings at Long Beach on 6/1

8 adults, 2 hatchlings at Long Beach on 6/1

6 pairs, 4 nests at Milford Point on 6/2

3 pairs, 7 adults, 5 hatchlings at Long Beach on 6/2
1 pair, 1 nest at Silver Sands State Park on 6/2

3 pairs, 2 adults, 6 hatchlings, 1 nest at Hammonasset on 6/2

5 pairs, 6 adults, 7 hatchlings, 5 nests at Sandy/Morse Points on 6/3

18 adults, 9 hatchlings at Sandy/Morse Points on 6/4
1 pair, 1 nest at Short Beach on 6/4
1 adult, 1 nest at Silver Sands State Park on 6/5

4 pairs, 9 adults, 7 hatchlings, 2 nests at Sandy/Morse Points on 6/5

American Oystercatcher
1 pair, 1 nest at Long Beach on 5/31

1 pair, 4 adults, 2 nests at Sandy/Morse Points on 5/31
2 adults at Sandy/Morse Points on 6/1

2 pairs, 1 nest at Sandy/Morse Points on 6/1

1 pair, 1 nest at Long Beach on 6/1

3 pairs, 1 adult at Milford Point on 6/2
4 adults at Sasco Hill Beach on 6/2
1 pair, 1 nest at Long Beach on 6/2

2 pairs, 1 adult, 1 nest at Sandy/Morse Points on 6/3

8 adults, 2 nests at Sandy/Morse Points on 6/4

1 pair, 9 adults, 1 nest at Sandy/Morse Points on 6/5

Least Tern
8 pairs at Long Beach on 5/31

2 adults at Sandy/Morse Points on 5/31

2 adults at Sandy/Morse Points on 6/1

10 adults at Long Beach on 6/1

4 adults at Sandy/Morse Points on 6/1

3 pairs at Long Beach on 6/1

75 adults at Milford Point on 6/2
16 pairs, 20 adults, 13 nests at Hammonasset on 6/2
1 adult at Silver Sands State Park on 6/2
2 adults at Sasco Hill Beach on 6/2
10 adults at Long Beach on 6/2

4 pairs at Sandy/Morse Points on 6/3

50 adults, 6 nests at Sandy/Morse Points on 6/4

1 pair, 38 adults at Sandy/Morse Points on 6/5

Common Tern

3 adults, 1 nest at Sandy/Morse Points on 6/4

5 adults at Sandy/Morse Points on 6/5

This concludes update #11 through 06/06/16 as of 1:00 p.m.

AAfCW 2016 Volunteer Update #10

This is the tenth weekly update by the Audubon Alliance for Coastal Waterbirds (AAfCW) for the 2016 season. Today's update includes reports of Piping Plover, American Oystercatcher, Least Tern and Common Tern from May 23 through 11:00 a.m. on May 31 with sightings of birds by volunteers and staff.

Informational updates:

Thank you all for your help during Memorial Day weekend as it was an extremely busy time on our beaches with so many birds with young and nests plus perfect beach weather with many visitors. We continue to be in the most critical time of the season with nests hatching nearly every day, more re-nesting taking place after tidal washouts or abandonment, and the first nests from our terns. Please keep educating all of the beachgoers you can and reporting all of our bird data plus disturbances you note and any other applicable information in your reports. Thanks so much for your efforts!

Survey and monitoring updates:

Piping Plover
1 pair at Silver Sands State Park on 5/22
13 pairs, 3 hatchlings, 10 nests at Sandy/Morse Points on 5/23
1 adult at Short Beach on 5/23
7 pairs, 1 adult, 7 hatchlings, 4 nests at Long Beach on 5/23
1 pair, 1 nest at Pleasure Beach on 5/23
2 pairs, 5 hatchlings at Long Beach on 5/23

5 pairs, 1 adult, 3 hatchlings, 3 nests at Sandy/Morse Points on 5/23

1 pair, 9 adults, 2 hatchlings, 3 nests at Sandy/Morse Points on 5/23

13 pairs, 3 hatchlings, 9 nests at Sandy/Morse Points on 5/24
1 pair at Short Beach on 5/24
1 pair, 1 adult at Silver Sands State Park on 5/24
3 pairs, 2 adults, 3 nests at Hammonasset on 5/24

8 pairs, 2 adults, 4 nests at Sandy/Morse Points on 5/24

1 adult at Silver Sands State Park on 5/25
1 adult at Short Beach on 5/25
10 pairs, 6 nests at Milford Point on 5/25

2 pairs, 11 adults, 3 hatchlings, 2 nests at Sandy/Morse Points on 5/25

2 pairs, 1 adult, 4 hatchlings at Long Beach on 5/25

2 pairs, 12 adults, 1 nest at Sandy/Morse Points on 5/25
4 pairs, 10 adults, 7 hatchlings at Long Beach on 5/25

5 pairs, 9 adults, 5 nests at Milford Point on 5/25

2 pairs, 4 adults, 3 hatchlings, 2 nests at Sandy/Morse Points on 5/25

3 pairs, 2 adults, 6 hatchlings at Long Beach on 5/26
8 pairs, 3 nests at Milford Point on 5/26
3 pairs, 3 nests at Hammonasset on 5/27
6 pairs, 7 hatchlings, 3 nests at Long Beach on 5/27
1 pair, 1 nest at Pleasure Beach on 5/27
6 pairs, 1 adult, 3 nests at Bluff Point on 5/27

5 pairs, 4 adults, 4 nests at Milford Point on 5/27

5 pairs, 2 adults, 3 nests at Hammonasset on 5/28
6 pairs, 5 nests at Milford Point on 5/28
13 pairs, 11 hatchlings, 9 nests at Sandy/Morse Points on 5/28
5 pairs, 1 adult, 3 hatchlings, 2 nests at Griswold Point on 5/29
6 pairs, 1 adult, 10 hatchlings, 2 nests at Long Beach on 5/29
1 pair, 1 nest at Pleasure Beach on 5/29

8 pairs, 6 adults, 15 hatchlings, 6 nests at Sandy/Morse Points on 5/29

3 pairs, 1 adult, 3 nests at Hammonasset on 5/29

5 adults, 10 hatchlings at Long Beach on 5/29

11 adults, 8 hatchlings, 1 nest at Sandy/Morse Points on 5/30
2 pairs, 1 adult, 3 hatchlings at Long Beach on 5/30

American Oystercatcher
2 pairs, 1 adult, 3 nests at Sandy/Morse Points on 5/23

2 pairs, 1 adult, 2 nests at Sandy/Morse Points on 5/23

3 pairs, 2 nests at Milford Point on 5/23
1 pair, 1 nest at Long Beach on 5/23

3 pairs, 2 nests at Sandy/Morse Points on 5/23

3 pairs, 3 nests at Sandy/Morse Points on 5/24
1 pair, 3 adults, 1 nest at Long Beach on 5/24
1 pair, 1 nest at Hammonasset on 5/24

1 pair at Sandy/Morse Points on 5/24

1 pair at Salt Island on 5/25

1 pair, 1 nest at Sandy/Morse Points on 5/25

5 pairs, 1 adult, 2 hatchlings, 2 nests at Menunketesuck on 5/25
2 adults at Duck Island on 5/25
3 pairs, 3 adults, 2 hatchlings, 1 nest at Milford Point on 5/25

1 pair, 1 adult at Sandy/Morse Points on 5/25

1 pair, 1 nest at Long Beach on 5/25

2 pairs, 4 adults, 2 hatchlings, 1 nest at Milford Point on 5/25

3 adults at Sandy/Morse Points on 5/25

1 adult at Long Beach on 5/25

3 pairs, 3 adults, 2 hatchlings, 1 nest at Milford Point on 5/26
1 pair at Compo Beach on 5/26
12 pairs, 10 nests at Cockenoe Island on 5/26
1 pair, 1 nest at Calf Pasture Island, Norwalk on 5/26
1 pair, 1 nest at East White Rock, Norwalk on 5/26
1 pair, 1 nest at Betts Island, Norwalk on 5/26
1 pair at Grassy Island, Norwalk on 5/26
1 pair at Goose Island, Norwalk on 5/26
1 pair, 1 nest at Long Beach on 5/26
4 pairs, 2 hatchlings, 1 nest at Milford Point on 5/26
2 pairs, 1 adult, 1 nest at Hammonasset on 5/27
1 pair, 1 nest at Long Beach on 5/27
1 pair at Stratford Point on 5/27
1 pair at Pleasure Beach on 5/27
1 pair, 1 nest at Bluff Point on 5/27

2 pairs, 1 adult, 2 hatchlings at Milford Point on 5/27

4 adults at Sasco Hill Beach on 5/28
2 pairs, 1 nest at Hammonasset on 5/28
3 pairs, 3 nests at Sandy/Morse Points on 5/28
1 pair, 1 nest at Griwold Point on 5/29
1 pair, 1 nest at Long Beach on 5/29
1 pair, 1 nest at Pleasure Beach on 5/29
2 pairs, 1 nest at Hammonasset on 5/29

2 pairs, 1 adult, 2 nests at Sandy/Morse Points on 5/29

5 adults at Sandy/Morse Points on 5/30
1 adult, 1 nest at Long Beach on 5/30

Least Tern
1 adult at Silver Sands State Park on 5/22
2 adults at Peck Ave, West Haven on 5/23
6 adults at Long Beach on 5/23   
3 pairs at Sandy/Morse Points on 5/24
5 pairs, 6 adults at Long Beach on 5/24
2 pairs at Silver Sands State Park on 5/24
2 pairs, 40 adults at Hammonasset on 5/24
35 pairs, 30 adults, 15 nests at Milford Point on 5/25

4 adults at Long Beach on 5/25

3 pairs at Long Beach on 5/25

2 adults at Sandy/Morse Points on 5/25

3 pairs, 69 adults, 12 nests at Milford Point on 5/25

3 adults at Sandy/Morse Points on 5/25

8 adults at Menunketsuck on 5/25

1 pair, 4 adults at Sandy/Morse Points on 5/25

100 adults, 3 nests at Milford Point on 5/26
40 pairs, 20 adults, 20 nests at Milford Point on 5/26
8 pairs, 6 nests at Long Beach on 5/27
5 pairs, 44 adults at Hammonasset on 5/27

40 adults at Milford Point on 5/27

10 pairs at Long Beach on 5/29
5 pairs, 48 adults at Hammonasset on 5/29

12 adults at Sandy/Morse Points on 5/29

12 adults, 3 nests at Long Beach on 5/29

11 adults at Sandy/Morse Points on 5/30
16 adults, 6 nests at Long Beach on 5/30

Common Tern
3 pairs at Sandy/Morse Points on 5/23
12 pairs at Hammonasset on 5/24
2 pairs at Salt Island on 5/25
38 adults at Menunketsuck on 5/25

2 adults at Sandy/Morse Points on 5/25

1 adult at Long Beach on 5/26
110 adults, nests present at Cockenoe Island on 5/26
8 pairs, 9 adults at Hammonasset on 5/27
3 adults at Sasco Hill Beach on 5/28
6 pairs at Hammonasset on 5/29

5 adults at Sandy/Morse Points on 5/29

This concludes update #10 through 05/31/16 as of 1:00 p.m.

Common Tern

Here is a Common Tern (Sterna hirundo) photographed recently while resting on a rock at Hammonasset Beach State Park in Madison.

Memorial Day weekend is one of the busiest times of the year for us in the Audubon Alliance for Coastal Waterbirds as it marks the unofficial beginning of the summer beach season. This is a critical time for our beach nesting birds with Piping Plovers and American Oystercatchers having both hatchlings and nests throughout the state while the Least and Common Terns begin to create colonies and lay eggs as well. It seems 2016 will be a mostly warmer than usual Memorial Day weekend with a lot of people heading to the beach, and we will be hard at work educating the public on why these birds are important and how we can all share the shore with our wildlife.

Flagged Piping Plover

We have found multiple flagged/banded Piping Plovers in Connecticut in 2016, and here is the story of one of them. Back on March 31 one of our coastal waterbird technicians, Ewa Holland, found a green flagged "09C" bird at Hammonasset Beach State Park in Madison. It remained there until at least last Sunday, May 22, appropriately last seen by Ewa. It had not had nesting success and was still attempting to find a place and mate in poor habitat on a small section of beach. It was with another bird on May 22 and doing aerial displays.

However, another one of our field staff, Elizabeth Amendola, did not see it at Hammonasset on Tuesday, May 24. Yesterday, May 25, one of our volunteer monitors, Frank Mantlik, told me he had a flagged Piping Plover on Short Beach in Stratford. There has been a female spotted occasionally at Short Beach, and a pair (not including this bird) on May 24, but we have no nesting there yet in 2016. My office is at Stratford Point just across the way so I went over and joined Frank. The bird was out of sight for a while, but I picked it back up along the waterline.

It was somewhat skittish with a strong wind going, joggers and walkers passing by, fishermen, other peep shorebirds that would flush and then flush it, and so forth. The legs looked healthy and appeared fine, and it fed, flew and behaved like a normal Piping Plover - leg condition being something we ask you to check for specifically if you spot a flagged or banded Piping Plover along with general health, detailed location, behavior, and flag/band condition.

But what about the rest of the bird's history? It was banded on June 4, 2015 at Sandy Point Rhode Island as part of a nanotag project led by Pam Loring. Last year's nest was predated around June 10, 2015 and it was last detected in Rhode Island in mid-July 2015. The bird was found in migration at Cape Hatteras, Nortn Carolina from mid-July to mid-August, then recorded at Abaco, Bahamas around October 30, 2015 to January 30, 2016. If you find a flagged/banded Piping Plover please report it to CT DEEP's Laura Saucier (Laura.Saucier@ct.gov) and include us at the Audubon Alliance for Coastal Waterbirds (ctwaterbirds@gmail.com) as well - thank you! We hope this bird has nesting success in Stratford.