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.