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.