Piping Plover Hatchling

The NBA has a campaign called, "This Is Why We Play", and the photo here is why we advocate, why we educate, and why we conserve species and their habitats. This is a recently photographed hatchling Piping Plover, only a few days old, foraging on the beach with its siblings and parents.

It is often difficult work in a challenging field for our volunteers and staff. While we can sometimes forget what brought us here, this is what makes it all worthwhile. Please keep on spreading our share the shore philosophy as we head into June and the summer beach season, and pass on the passion for these delightfully adorable birds!

AAfCW 2017 Volunteer Update #8

This is the eighth weekly update by the Audubon Alliance for Coastal Waterbirds (AAfCW) for the 2017 season. Today's update includes reports of Piping Plover, American Oystercatcher, Least Tern, and Common Tern through 12:00 p.m. on May 29 with sightings of birds by volunteers and staff since the previous update on May 22.

Informational updates:

Thank you all for the extra efforts this Memorial Day weekend! The recent stormy weather and high tides claimed more nests of Piping Plovers and American Oystercatchers with the latter species possibly losing some hatchlings on offshore islands as well. There will be more renesting pairs while others who made it through the difficult conditions are hatching birds across all of our sites. Please see this PDF for aging Piping Plovers: http://rtpi.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/03/DEEP-PloverTern-Aging.pdf

The PDF also includes Least Terns, and while we will not see young until later next month, we do have some terns beginning to nest in colonies on a few of our beaches. Please remember that like Piping Plovers we do not need data such as egg counts or even nest or pair counts on these birds. We would prefer caution and care, staying by the water, and watching them from afar, not flushing them off nests. If they are calling and dive bombing you then you are too close and should move out of the area. If you see groups feeding in the Sound or a marsh, or flying around the beach from afar, counting them off quickly by fives and tens can get you a good estimate. These birds are disturbed and flushed so often by everything from predators to people that it is difficult for them to be successful, so ensuring we do not do that will help them tremendously.

Survey and monitoring updates:

Piping Plover

3 pairs, 6 adults, 6 nests, 4 hatchlings at Long Beach on 5/23

5 pairs, 4 adults, 5 nests, 1 hatchling at Long Beach on 5/23

3 pairs, 2 adults, 2 nests, 4 hatchlings at Bluff Point on 5/23

3 pairs, 8 adults, 3 nests at Long Beach on 5/23

1 pair, 6 adults, 2 nests, 3 hatchlings at Sandy/Morse Points on 5/23

1 pair, 6 adults, 3 nests at Milford Point on 5/23
6 adults, 6 nests, 3 hatchlings at Long Beach on 5/23

4 pairs, 2 adults, 2 nests, 1 hatchling at Long Beach on 5/23

4 pairs, 4 adults, 5 nests at Milford Point on 5/23
1 adult at Silver Sands State Park on 5/23
1 pair, 1 nest at Peck Ave. West Haven on 5/23
5 pairs, 1 adult, 4 nests, 4 hatchlings at Bluff Point on 5/23
2 pairs, 1 adult, 1 nest, 4 hatchlings at Mumford Cove on 5/23
1 pair, 4 adults, 3 nests, 3 hatchlings at Long Beach on 5/23
1 pair at Short Beach on 5/24
12 pairs, 10 nests, 4 hatchlings at Long Beach on 5/24
6 adults, 1 hatchling at Sandy/Morse Points on 5/24
8 adults, 6 nests at Long Beach on 5/24
6 adults, 1 nest at Long Beach on 5/24

5 pairs, 3 adults, 5 nests at Milford Point on 5/24
1 pair, 1 nest at Peck Ave. West Haven on 5/25
1 adult at Short Beach on 5/25
1 pair, 1 nest at Peck Ave. West Haven on 5/26
1 pair at Short Beach on 5/26
1 pair, 1 nest at Peck Ave. West Haven on 5/26
5 pairs, 2 nests, 4 hatchlings at Hammonasset on 5/26

5 adults at Sandy/Morse Points on 5/26
4 pairs, 4 nests at Milford Point on 5/26

1 pair, 6 adults, 5 nests, 4 hatchlings at Long Beach on 5/26

2 pairs, 3 adults at Long Beach on 5/27

3 pairs, 1 nest at Milford Point on 5/27

1 pair, 1 nest at Peck Ave. West Haven on 5/27

1 pair, 1 nest at East Broadway Milford on 5/27
1 pair, 6 adults, 3 hatchlings at Hammonasset on 5/27
1 adult, 1 nest at Silver Sands State Park on 5/27
1 adult, 1 nest at East Broadway Milford on 5/27
1 adult, 1 nest at Peck Ave. West Haven on 5/27
1 adult, 1 nest at Silver Sands State Park on 5/27
11 pairs, 8 nests at Milford Point on 5/27
1 pair at Short Beach on 5/28
8 adults, 7 nests, 3 hatchlings at Long Beach on 5/28
1 pair, 1 nest at Sherwood Island State Park on 5/28
1 pair, 1 adult, 1 nest at Silver Sands State Park on 5/28
1 pair, 1 nest at Sherwood Island State Park on 5/28

7 pairs, 1 adult, 6 nests, 10 hatchlings at Long Beach on 5/28

5 pairs, 2 nests, 3 hatchlings at Sandy/Morse Points on 5/28

1 adult, 1 nest at Silver Sands State Park on 5/28

1 pair, 3 adults at Sandy/Morse Points on 5/28

American Oystercatcher

1 pair at Long Beach on 5/23
1 pair at Long Beach on 5/23

2 pairs, 1 nest at Bluff Point on 5/23

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

3 pairs, 1 adult at Milford Point on 5/23

1 pair at Long Beach on 5/23
2 adults, 1 nest at Long Beach on 5/23

3 pairs, 2 nests at Milford Point on 5/23
1 pair, 1 adult at Silver Sands State Park on 5/23
2 pairs, 2 nests at Bluff Point on 5/23
1 pair, 1 nest at Mumford Cove on 5/23
1 pair, 1 nest at Ram Island on 5/23
1 adult at Short Beach on 5/24
1 pair at Long Beach on 5/24
1 pair, 1 adult at Sandy/Morse Points on 5/24
2 adults at Long Beach on 5/24
1 pair at Long Beach on 5/24
1 pair at Compo Beach on 5/24
8 pairs, 4 hatchlings, 2 nests at Cockenoe Island on 5/24
1 pair, 1 nest at Grassy Island on 5/24
1 pair, 1 nest at Goose Island on 5/24

3 pairs at Milford Point on 5/24
5 adults at Short Beach on 5/25
3 pairs, 1 nest at Sandy/Morse Points on 5/26
2 adults at Short Beach on 5/26
2 pairs, 1 adult at Hammonasset on 5/26
2 pairs, 1 adult at Milford Point on 5/26

2 pairs at Sandy/Morse Points on 5/26
1 pair at Long Beach on 5/26
2 pairs at Milford Point on 5/26
2 pairs at Sandy/Morse Points on 5/27

3 pairs at Milford Point on 5/27
2 pairs at Sandy/Morse Points on 5/27
2 pairs at Hammonasset on 5/27
3 pairs at Milford Point on 5/27
1 adult at Silver Sands State Park on 5/28
3 pairs, 1 adult at Milford Point on 5/28

1 pair at Long Beach on 5/28

2 pairs, 2 adults at Sandy/Morse Points on 5/28

2 pairs, 1 nest at Sandy/Morse Points on 5/28

Least Tern

10 pairs, 50 adults at Long Beach on 5/23

3 pairs, 32 adults at Long Beach on 5/23

2 pairs at Bluff Point on 5/23

4 adults at Milford Point on 5/23

8 adults at Long Beach on 5/23

3 adults at Milford Point on 5/23

3 adults at Milford Point on 5/23
3 pairs at Bluff Point on 5/23
1 pair, 2 adults at Mumford Cove on 5/23
10 pairs at Long Beach on 5/23
30 pairs, 7 nests at Long Beach on 5/24
18 adults at Long Beach on 5/24

2 pairs at Long Beach on 5/24

3 pairs at Milford Point on 5/24
6 adults at Sandy/Morse Points on 5/26

20 adults at Long Beach on 5/26

1 pair, 1 adult at Milford Point on 5/26
3 pairs at Hammonasset on 5/26
3 adults at Sandy/Morse Points on 5/27
1 pair, 1 adult, 1 nest at Milford Point on 5/27
11 adults at Hammonasset on 5/27

1 pair, 1 adult, 1 nest at Milford Point on 5/27
1 pair, 1 adult at Milford Point on 5/28
2 adults at Compo Beach on 5/28

6 pairs, 40 adults at Long Beach on 5/28

3 pairs at Sandy/Morse Points on 5/28

2 adults at Sandy/Morse Points on 5/28

Common Tern

10 adults at Long Beach on 5/23

1 pair at Long Beach on 5/23

2 adults at Bluff Point on 5/23

1 adult at Milford Point on 5/23
1 pair at Bluff Point on 5/23
2 pairs at Ram Island on 5/23
2 adults at Short Beach on 5/24
1 pair at Long Beach on 5/24
1 pair at Long Beach on 5/24
391 adults at Cockenoe Island on 5/24
2 adults at Short Beach on 5/25
2 adults at Sandy/Morse Points on 5/26
1 pair at Hammonasset on 5/26
2 adults at Milford Point on 5/26
1 pair at Sandy/Morse Points on 5/27
1 pair at Sandy/Morse Points on 5/28
2 adults at Short Beach on 5/28
5 adults at Compo Beach on 5/28
2 adults at Sandy/Morse Points on 5/28

This concludes update #8 through 5/29/17 as of 2:00 p.m.

Share the Shore Memorial Day Weekend

58?! That's how many Piping Plover pairs have come to nest in Connecticut so far in 2017, and we anticipate we may add a few yet.

Our volunteers, along with CT DEEP and AAfCW staff, are doing a tremendous job on busy and birdy beaches. This year's total would be Connecticut's third highest ever after two record-setting seasons despite our worries about potentially losing birds overwintering in the Bahamas due to the destructive force of Hurricane Matthew. Tiny Piping Plover hatchlings are now appearing on our beaches, too! Please remember to #ShareTheShore this Memorial Day weekend and respect their space because there is plenty of sand for all of us. Pass it on!

CT DEEP Memorial Day Press Release

The Audubon Alliance for Coastal Waterbirds is a key partner for the state and federal agencies in efforts to conserve nesting coastal waterbirds in Connecticut. Please see the below press release from the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection.

May 25, 2017

PRESS RELEASE
DEEP Announces Measures to Protect Shorebirds at Coastal Beaches and Wading Birds at Offshore Islands

Connecticut’s Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) today announced that Charles Island in Milford and Duck Island in Westbrook will be closed to the public from now through September 9, 2017, to prevent disturbances to nesting birds. Both islands have been designated by DEEP as Natural Area Preserves, primarily due to their importance as nesting habitats for several state-listed birds, including snowy egrets and great egrets (state threatened species), glossy ibis, and little blue herons (state special concern). The two islands also have been designated as Important Bird Areas by Audubon Connecticut.

In addition, the DEEP is asking beachcombers, sunbathers, and boaters along the Connecticut shoreline to respect the fencing and yellow signs warning of piping plover and least tern nesting sites. The piping plover, a small, sandy-colored shorebird about the size of a sparrow, is a threatened species under the federal Endangered Species Act, as well as a state threatened species in Connecticut. The small, gull-like least tern, which nests in colonies in the same beach habitat as the piping plover, also is a state threatened species.

“Each year, Charles and Duck Islands are closed during the nesting season to protect various bird species. Fencing also is erected at beach nesting areas along Connecticut’s shoreline to safeguard piping plovers and least terns,” said Susan Whalen, DEEP Deputy Commissioner. “Closing the islands and enlisting the public’s help and cooperation are simple but effective ways to protect these birds.”

Piping Plover – Piping plovers need special protection throughout their nesting season and especially during the increased beach activity over the long Memorial Day weekend. By obeying the posted signs and staying away from fenced areas, beach visitors can avoid disturbing the nesting birds. Photo by Paul Fusco, Connecticut DEEP.

 
Background: Closing of Charles and Duck Islands

Protecting heron and egret nesting areas on Charles and Duck Islands are important steps to prevent disturbances that can result in abandonment of the nests and possibly of the entire colony. This would have a tremendous negative effect on these declining bird populations.

To protect the nesting colonies (also known as rookeries) on Charles and Duck Islands, educational signs have been erected at access points describing these rare birds and why they should not be disturbed. Additionally, the sites are posted with island closure notices; the rookeries are fenced; and signs are posted that read “Do Not Enter – Bird Nesting Area.”

When young birds become agitated by disturbances, they often fall from the nest. Once grounded, the young birds die of starvation or predation. If disturbances continue, the adults may abandon the nesting area. Examples of disturbances to these rookeries include unleashed dogs, boat and kayak landings, people approaching fenced nesting areas, camp-outs, and bonfires.

Signs stating the closure of Charles and Duck Islands are posted and DEEP Environmental Conservation Police Officers will be patrolling the islands. The entire island areas are completely closed. Landing of watercraft on the beaches is prohibited. The public can help to protect nesting birds by following the closure and reporting any observed violations by calling DEEP’s 24-hour Dispatch Center at 860-424-3333.

Background: Protection of Piping Plovers and Least Terns

Human disturbance at beach nesting areas may result in nest abandonment by state threatened piping plovers and least terns or the loss of eggs and chicks. In response, each year DEEP delineates nesting sites with rope and fencing to dissuade people from disturbing the birds and nests.
These shorebirds need special protection throughout their April to August nesting season and especially during the increased beach activity over the long Memorial Day and Fourth-of-July weekends. By obeying the warning signs and staying away from fenced areas, beach visitors can avoid disturbing the nesting birds.

Both piping plovers and least terns use a shallow depression in sand for a nest. Their sand-colored eggs and young are so well camouflaged that they are easily stepped on. When intruders approach, young piping plovers are likely to stand motionless while the adult tries to attract attention by pretending to have a broken wing or flying around the intruder. If you witness this behavior, DEEP advises you to move away from the area at once.

Least Tern – Both piping plovers and least terns (pictured) use a shallow depression in sand for a nest. Their sand-colored eggs and young are so well camouflaged that they are easily stepped on. Photo by Paul Fusco, Connecticut DEEP.

The DEEP Wildlife Division also provides the following advice to protect nesting shorebirds:
• Refrain from walking dogs or allowing house cats to roam freely on beaches during the nesting season. Dogs are not allowed at many beach areas during the bird nesting season. These areas include, but are not limited to, Long Beach in Stratford, Pleasure Beach in Bridgeport, Sherwood Island State Park in Westport, Sandy Point in West Haven, and Hammonasset Beach State Park in Madison.
• At areas where dogs are allowed, always keep them on a leash, but remember that even leashed dogs have the potential to step on nests and young. Dogs also may harass sensitive shorebirds by chasing them.
• Do not bury or leave trash, picnic leftovers, and fish scraps on a beach. They attract predators of shorebird chicks and eggs, such as skunks, raccoons, foxes, and black-backed gulls.
• Do not attempt to “rescue” young birds that appear to be lost or too young.
• Do not attempt to remove young birds from the beach to care for them at home. In most cases, when immature birds are found alone, the adults have been frightened away but remain nearby and will return to their young once the intruder leaves.

It is illegal to hold wildlife for rehabilitation without proper state or federal permits. In addition, shorebirds have a unique diet that people would find hard to duplicate, probably resulting in starvation of the young bird. Any violations affecting wildlife should be reported to the DEEP’s 24-hour, toll-free hot line: 1-800-842-HELP.

AAfCW 2017 Volunteer Update #7

This is the seventh weekly update by the Audubon Alliance for Coastal Waterbirds (AAfCW) for the 2017 season. Today's update includes reports of Piping Plover, American Oystercatcher, Least Tern, and Common Tern through 4:00 p.m. on May 22 with sightings of birds by volunteers and staff since the previous update on May 15.

Informational updates:

Please exercise caution when deciding if you should go out to monitor during this upcoming week with frequent rain, cool temperatures, and perhaps some windy days. This is a very critical time period with many nesting pairs of Piping Plovers and American Oystercatchers - and some renesting after tidal washouts or other nest failures - and we never want to add to the distractions or disturbances they face during inclement conditions when beaches will be relatively devoid of visitors.

However, next weekend is Memorial Day weekend, and the weather should return to sunny skies and seasonable temperatures. The holiday will mean busier beaches with a lot more traffic, especially if the forecast holds. Many visitors, including some from out of state, will not know about our birds or why they're important and need to be educated on what is happening on the beach. If you have any extra time to monitor outside of your usual shifts please try to visit any of our beaches next Saturday, Sunday and Monday during this nesting time at the unofficial beginning of summer. Even a quick stop for some education or a scan of the beach can be helpful, and you do not need to schedule it in advance.

Sandy/Morse Points parking passes have been received in the mail by some of our monitors and staff, so if you submitted your vehicle information directly to AAfCW when asked, you can expect to hopefully see yours in the mail from West Haven soon. As always thank you so much for all of your efforts!

Survey and monitoring updates:

Piping Plover
1 pair at Silver Sands State Park on 5/15
1 pair, 1 nest at East Broadway/Shell Ave on 5/15
1 pair, 1 nest at Sherwood Island State Park on 5/15

1 pair, 4 adults, 2 nests at Sandy/Morse Points on 5/15

9 pairs, 1 adult, 7 nests at Long Beach on 5/15

5 pairs, 2 nests at Milford Point on 5/15
1 pair, 6 adults, 1 nest at Sandy/Morse Points on 5/15
1 pair, 6 adults, 7 nests at Long Beach on 5/16
1 pair, 1 nest at Pleasure Beach on 5/16
1 pair, 6 adults, 7 nests at Long Beach on 5/16
6 pairs, 5 nests at Sandy/Morse Points on 5/16
1 pair, 7 adults, 7 nests at Long Beach on 5/16
5 adults at Long Beach on 5/17
8 adults, 2 nests at Sandy/Morse Points on 5/17
4 pairs, 2 nests at Hammonasset on 5/17

2 pairs, 6 adults, 4 nests at Long Beach on 5/17

4 adults, 4 nests at Long Beach on 5/17

10 adults at Milford Point on 5/17

2 pairs, 8 adults, 2 nests at Milford Point on 5/18

3 pairs, 3 adults at Sandy/Morse on 5/18

3 pairs, 6 adults, 6 nests at Long Beach on 5/18

1 pair at Waterford Town Beach on 5/18
1 pair, 1 nest at Pleasure Beach on 5/19

4 pairs, 3 nests at Bluff Point on 5/19

1 pair at Short Beach on 5/19
5 pairs, 5 nests at Milford Point on 5/19
2 pairs, 6 adults at Bluff Point on 5/19
10 pairs, 2 nests Milford Point on 5/20
1 pair, 1 nest at East Broadway on 5/20

5 pairs, 3 adults, 3 nests at Milford Point on 5/20

5 adults, 4 nests at Sandy/Morse Points on 5/20

10 adults, 7 nests at Long Beach on 5/21

2 pairs, 3 adults, 2 nests at Sandy/Morse Points on 5/21

6 pairs, 6 nests at Long Beach on 5/21

1 pair, 2 adults, 4 nests at Sandy/Morse Points on 5/21
4 pairs, 10 adults, 4 nests at Sandy/Morse Points on 5/21

19 adults, 7 nests at Long Beach on 5/21

American Oystercatcher
1 pair at Silver Sands State Park on 5/15

1 pair, 1 nest at Long Beach on 5/15
2 adults at Sandy/Morse Points on 5/15

4 adults at Sandy/Morse Points on 5/15
1 adult at Long Beach on 5/16
1 pair, 1 nest at Pleasure Beach on 5/16
1 pair, 1 nest at Long Beach on 5/16
1 pair, 1 nest at Long Beach on 5/16
2 pairs at Sandy/Morse Points on 5/16
1 pair, 1 nest at Griswold Island on 5/16
1 pair, 1 nest at Long Beach on 5/17   
1 adult at Short Beach on 5/17
1 pair, 1 nest at Long Beach on 5/17
3 pairs, 4 adults, 1 nest at Milford Point on 5/17

3 pairs at Milford Point on 5/17

2 pairs at Sandy/Morse Points on 5/17
1 pair at Long Beach on 5/17 
2 pairs, 2 nests at Hammonasset on 5/17
1 adult at Long Beach on 5/17
2 pairs, 7 adults, 2 nests at Milford Point on 5/18
1 pair at Sandy/Morse Points on 5/18
2 pairs at Ocean Beach Park on 5/18
1 pair, 1 nest at Long Beach on 5/18
1 pair, 1 adult at Branford Harbor Channel Marker on 5/18
1 pair, 3 hatchlings at Green Island on 5/18
1 pair, 3 hatchlings at Umbrella Island on 5/18
2 pairs, 1 nest at Kelsey Island on 5/18
5 pairs, 2 hatchlings at Menunketesuck Island on 5/18
1 pair, 4 adults, 1 nest at Pleasure Beach on 5/19
4 adults at Short Beach on 5/19
1 pair at Lewis Island, Thimbles on 5/19
1 pair, 3 hatchlings at Thimble Island # 18 on 5/19

1 pair, 1 nest at Bluff Point on 5/19

1 pair at Horse Island, Thimbles on 5/19
1 pair at Hen Island, Thimbles on 5/19
3 pairs, 4 hatchlings, 1 nest at Falkners Island on 5/19
1 pair at Bluff Point on 5/19
3 pairs, 2 adults, 1 nest at Milford Point on 5/20

1 adult at Sandy/Morse Points on 5/20

3 pairs at Milford Point on 5/20

1 adult, 1 nest at Long Beach on 5/21

1 pair at Sandy/Morse Points on 5/21

2 pairs at Silver Sands State Park on 5/21

1 pair, 1 nest at Long Beach on 5/21
2 pairs at Sandy/Morse Points on 5/21

1 adult at Long Beach on 5/21

3 pairs, 2 nests at Milford Point on 5/21

Least Tern
2 adults at Sandy/Morse Points on 5/15

20 adults at Long Beach on 5/15

4 pairs, 25 adults at Long Beach on 5/15

1 adult at Pleasure Beach on 5/16
1 pair, 12 adults at Long Beach on 5/16
2 adults at Mouth of 4 Mile River on 5/16
20 adults at Long Beach on 5/16
4 adults at Sandy/Morse Points on 5/17

6 pairs, 2 adults at Milford Point on 5/17

8 adults at Long Beach on 5/17

11 adults at Hammonasset on 5/18
35 adults at Milford Point on 5/18
1 pair, 6 adults at Long Beach on 5/18
2 adults at East Broadway/Shell Ave, Milford on 5/18
1 pair at Pleasure Beach on 5/19
4 adults at Bluff Point on 5/19
3 adults at Milford Point on 5/20
1 pair, 8 adults at Long Beach on 5/21

1 pair, 4 adults at Sandy/Morse Points on 5/21

3 pairs at Milford Point on 5/21
10 pairs, 55 adults at Long Beach on 5/21

Common Tern
2 adults at Compo Beach on 5/15

1 adult at Pleasure Beach on 5/16

4 adults at Long Beach on 5/16

2 pairs, 8 adults at Long Beach on 5/17

1 adult at Milford Point on 5/17

2 adults at Short Beach on 5/17

1 pair, 1 adult at Sherwood Island State Park on 5/17
4 adults at Milford Point on 5/17
7 adults at Hammonasset on 5/17
2 adults at Milford Point on 5/18

4 pairs at Umbrella Island on 5/18
5 pairs at Green Island on 5/18
3 adults at Kelsey Island on 5/18

2 adults at Bluff Point on 5/19

2 adults at Short Beach on 5/19

2 adults at Milford Point on 5/19
9 adults at Thimble Islands on 5/19
2 adults at Sasco Hill Beach on 5/20

2 adults at Milford Point on 5/20

5 adults at Sandy/Morse Points on 5/21

3 adults at Milford Point on 5/21

This concludes update #7 through 5/22/17 as of 5:30 p.m.

AAfCW 2017 Volunteer Update #6

This is the sixth weekly update by the Audubon Alliance for Coastal Waterbirds (AAfCW) for the 2017 season. Today's update includes reports of Piping Plover, American Oystercatcher, Least Tern, and Common Tern through 1:00 p.m. on May 15 with sightings of birds by volunteers and staff since the previous update on May 8.

Informational updates:

We are continuing to discover and exclose Piping Plover nests. These exclosures are very effective against mammalian and avian predators, and serve as a terrific teachable moment while on the beach and speaking with visitors. Please keep in mind that if you see an exclosed nest that it has four eggs and is complete, and we do not need to know any details about the eggs or to have a close look at the adults. Their safety and incubation is most important. You may find nests that are not attended to immediately because we want the birds to complete it before being exclosed. American Oystercatcher nests do not get exclosed, and they are working on nesting in many areas after a lot of frequent washouts as our weather has been uncooperative thus far this spring.

If you have to cancel your monitoring due to the weather there is no need to make it up, and that would be strictly optional. Additionally, there is no need to worry about a minimum hours per month. Please remember whether it is a marked bird, a disturbance of note that however does not reach "take" status, a new nest, and other significant information, please email CT DEEP (Laura.Saucier@ct.gov and Rebecca.Foster@ct.gov) and AAfCW directly about it with all the information you can as soon as possible.

Survey and monitoring updates:

Piping Plover

1 pair at Silver Sands State Park on 5/8
1 pair at East Broadway Milford on 5/8

9 adults, 4 nests at Long Beach on 5/8

1 pair, 2 adults, 3 nests at Sandy/Morse Points on 5/8

5 pairs, 4 adults, 7 nests at Long Beach on 5/9

5 pairs, 1 adult, 4 nests at Milford Point on 5/9

1 pair at East Broadway Milford on 5/9

5 pairs, 1 adult, 4 nests at Long Beach on 5/9

10 pairs, 1 adult, 4 nests at Long Beach on 5/9
1 pair at Short Beach on 5/9
5 adults, 4 nests at Long Beach on 5/9
1 pair at East Broadway Milford on 5/9
2 adults, 2 nests at Long Beach on 5/10
11 adults, 6 nests at Long Beach on 5/10

1 pair, 5 adults, 6 nests at Long Beach on 5/10

2 pairs, 7 adults, 1 nest at Milford Point on 5/10

11 adults, 1 nest at Sandy/Morse Points on 5/10

1 adult at Long Beach on 5/10

3 pairs, 4 adults, 1 nest at Bluff Point on 5/10

2 pairs, 2 adults, 1 nest at Long Beach on 5/11

4 adults at Sandy/Morse Points on 5/11

7 pairs, 5 nests at Milford Point on 5/11
8 adults, 7 nests at Long Beach on 5/11
1 pair, 5 adults, 1 nest at Sandy/Morse Points on 5/12

2 pairs, 3 adults, 2 nests at Bluff Point on 5/12

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

1 pair, 2 adults, 1 nest at Sandy/Morse Points on 5/12

American Oystercatcher

1 pair at Long Beach on 5/8

2 pairs, 1 adult at Sandy/Morse Points on 5/8

1 pair at Silver Sands State Park on 5/8
1 pair at Long Beach on 5/9
1 pair at Long Beach on 5/9

3 pairs at Milford Point on 5/9

1 pair, 1 nest at Long Beach on 5/9

1 pair at Long Beach on 5/9
1 pair at Long Beach on 5/10
5 adults at Sandy/Morse Points on 5/10

4 pairs at Milford Point on 5/10

1 pair at Long Beach on 5/10

2 pairs, 1 nest at Bluff Point on 5/10

2 pairs at Sandy/Morse Points on 5/11

1 pair at Long Beach on 5/11
3 pairs at Milford Point on 5/11

1 pair, 1 adult, 1 nest at Bluff Point on 5/12

3 pairs, 1 adult at Sandy/Morse Points on 5/12

1 pair at Long Beach on 5/12

Least Tern
4 adults at Cedar Beach on 5/8

1 pair, 1 adult at Long Beach on 5/8

2 adults at Silver Sands State Park on 5/8
10 adults at East Broadway Milford on 5/8
3 adults at Short Beach on 5/8

14 adults at Long Beach on 5/9

4 adults at East Broadway Milford on 5/9
7 adults at Long Beach on 5/9
8 adults at Long Beach on 5/9
3 adults at Short Beach on 5/9
2 adults at East Broadway Milford on 5/9
14 adults at Milford Point on 5/9

15 adults at Milford Point on 5/10

10 adults at Milford Point on 5/11
15 adults at Long Beach on 5/12

Common Tern

12 Common Terns at Long Beach on 5/10

1 adult at Bluff Point on 5/10

2 adults at Bluff Point on 5/12

This concludes update #6 through 5/15/17 as of 5:00 p.m.

Happy Mother's Day

A Happy Mother's Day to all of you moms out there! We wanted to give a special mention to our soon to be Piping Plover and American Oystercatcher mothers, and especially to our dear friend pink-flagged 5E who is still doing well with her mate. Here she was in the middle of having some snacks on a recent afternoon.

We also ask that everyone keeps them in mind when visiting the beach on these holiday weekends. With Memorial Day and the unofficial start to summer coming up soon we have to always remember to share the shore with our avian pals, with positive education leading the way in our successful conservation efforts thanks to our intrepid volunteers and super staff...not to mention the great parenting by moms like her!

AAfCW 2017 Volunteer Update #5

This is the fifth weekly update by the Audubon Alliance for Coastal Waterbirds (AAfCW) for the 2017 season. Today's update includes reports of Piping Plover, American Oystercatcher, and Least Tern through 1:00 p.m. on May 8 with sightings of birds by volunteers and staff since the previous update on May 1.

Informational updates:

We had some surveys canceled in the last week because of the weather, and this may continue with chilly mornings, windy days, and rain. Please do not hesitate to cancel if the conditions are not conducive - you are helping to protect the birds and there will likely be fewer beachgoers at your location as well. Flushing birds off nests at this time of year can be deadly to the eggs, and nests may not all be exclosed immediately, so please be mindful of where you walk and stay near the water as much as you can.

Between widespread Piping Plover and American Oystercatcher nests plus the arrival of Least and Common Terns there is a lot to look at out there! However, we always want to observe the birds with binoculars and spotting scopes from a distance, never entering fenced areas even if we are trying to help. Photos can be taken but at such a distance that the bird pays us no mind (e.g. running away or a broken wing display are not good!), and we do not require them if you are a monitor or a volunteer. It is often best to leave the birds be as much as possible and hold the photography until after nesting has ended in the late summer. Walking out and lingering on a thin and soon to be busier nesting bar, for example, can be very disruptive even if we are monitoring.

This is a delicate balance, but considering we have set all-time success records repeatedly during the past several years of our work in AAfCW, we know our volunteers are the best and our methods seem to be working well. Thank you all so much!

Survey and monitoring updates:

Piping Plover

2 pairs, 4 adults, 1 nest at Sandy/Morse Points on 5/1

1 pair at Sandy/Morse Points on 5/1
4 pairs, 5 adults, 4 nests at Long Beach on 5/1
1 pair at Shell Avenue Milford on 5/1
10 pairs, 5 nests at Long Beach on 5/1
4 pairs, 3 nests at Milford Point on 5/1
1 pair at Hammonasset, Cedar Island on 5/1
1 pair, 1 nest at Pleasure Beach on 5/2
4 pairs, 3 nests at Milford Point on 5/2

5 pairs, 1 adult, 3 nests at Long Beach on 5/2

6 pairs, 1 adult at Milford Point on 5/2

3 pairs, 3 adults, 3 nests at Long Beach on 5/2

3 pairs, 2 adults, 2 nests at Bluff Point on 5/3
11 adults, 1 nest at Sandy/Morse Points on 5/3
2 pairs, 6 adults, 4 nests at Long Beach on 5/4
2 pairs, 2 nests at Harkness Memorial State Park on 5/4
4 pairs, 2 adults, 1 nest at Bluff Point on 5/4
1 pair, 1 nest at Pleasure Beach on 5/4
10 pairs, 7 nests at Milford Point on 5/4
1 pair at Silver Sands State Park on 5/4
4 adults, 3 nests at Long Beach on 5/4
14 adults, 3 nests at Milford Point on 5/4

4 pairs, 5 adults, 1 nest at Sandy/Morse Points on 5/4

5 pairs, 8 adults, 2 nests at Griswold Point on 5/4

4 adults at Silver Sands State Park on 5/7

6 pairs, 1 adult, 4 nests at Long Beach on 5/7

6 pairs, 3 adults, 2 nests at Sandy/Morse Points on 5/7

1 pair, 6 adults, 2 nests at Sandy/Morse Points on 5/7

2 pairs, 2 adults, 1 nest at Sandy/Morse Points on 5/7

American Oystercatcher
2 pairs at Sandy/Morse Points on 5/1
1 pair, 2 adults at Shell Ave/East Broadway on 5/1
1 pair at Hammonasset, Cedar Island on 5/1
3 pairs at Sandy/Morse Points on 5/2

1 pair, 1 adult at Long Beach on 5/2

4 pairs, 1 adult at Milford Point on 5/2

1 pair at Long Beach on 5/2

2 pairs, 1 adult, 1 nest at Sandy/Morse Points on 5/3
1 pair at Sandy/Morse Points on 5/3
2 pairs, 1 nest at Fish Islands on 5/3
1 pair at Long Beach on 5/4
1 pair, 1 nest at Bluff Point on 5/4
1 pair at Grass Island on 5/4
3 pairs, 3 nests at Falkners Island on 5/4
3 adults at Short Beach on 5/4
1 adult at Pleasure Beach on 5/4
3 pairs, 2 nests at Milford Point on 5/4
3 pairs, 3 adults, 2 nests at Milford Point on 5/4

5 adults at Griswold Point on 5/4

2 pairs at Sandy/Morse Points on 5/4

3 pairs at Sandy/Morse Points on 5/7

1 pair, 1 adult at Sandy/Morse Points on 5/7

1 pair at Sandy/Morse Points on 5/7

Least Tern

2 adults at Milford Point on 5/2

2 adults at Hammonasset on 5/3

2 adults at Short Beach on 5/4

4 adults at Milford Point on 5/4

1 adult at Griswold Point on 5/4

8 adults at Milford Point on 5/4

5 adults at Long Beach on 5/7

6 adults at Sandy/Morse Points on 5/7

This concludes update #5 through 5/8/17 as of 5:00 p.m.

Piping Plover Protection

I wanted to speak more about sharing the shore today, especially when it comes to our Piping Plovers. These little shorebirds have a lot to say about how you can help them, their nests, and their young stay safe all spring and summer, and it is very easy, too!

We all know that we should clean up after ourselves and leave nothing but footprints on the beach, preferably at or below the tidal line and away from nesting areas higher in the dune. Flushing birds off nests at this time of year can be deadly to the eggs, and nests may not all be exclosed immediately, so please be mindful of where you walk. Our dogs do have to stay at home, and they are not permitted on Connecticut beaches. We realize they are sweet family members, but the birds see them as vicious predators no matter their demeanor. We always want to observe the birds with binoculars and spotting scopes from a distance, never entering fenced areas even if we are trying to help. Photos can be taken but at such a distance that the bird pays us no mind (e.g. running away or a broken wing display are not good!), and we do not require them if you are a monitor or a volunteer. It is often best to leave the birds be as much as possible and hold the photography until after nesting has ended in the late summer, and to go birding in other locations during the most critical time in places where we can end up unintentionally intruding. Walking out on a tern nesting bar, for example, can be very disruptive.

Please keep in mind we have a formal monitoring system in place that is overseen by our regulatory agencies, and if you would like to volunteer with us at the Audubon Alliance for Coastal Waterbirds to help the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection in monitoring Piping Plovers, terrific! Email ctwaterbirds@gmail.com to register, undergo training, and sign-up for a schedule at one of our public beaches. We have to be very careful not to hug the birds too tightly, going to a beach frequently or allowing ourselves to become a distraction or disturbance to the very same birds we are trying to protect. This is a delicate balance, but considering we have set all-time success records repeatedly during the past several years of our work in AAfCW, we know our volunteers are the best and our methods seem to be working well. Thank you all for your efforts and your passion for our avian neighbors.

Scott Kruitbosch
AAfCW Volunteer Coordinator
RTPI Conservation & Outreach Coordinator

American Oystercatchers Nesting

I have been posting all about our Piping Plovers lately, so I thought I should give our American Oystercatcher friends some love, too. After all, who doesn't like their look? Even the average beachgoer takes note of this beautiful bird and its bold bill.

Unfortunately the recent stormy and wet weather has washed a number of Oystercatcher nests away on our beaches. However, those that lost their eggs will be re-nesting as soon as they can. We have hope that this year will be just as successful as the 2016 season where 53 fledged from 63 pairs, the second highest total of chicks fledged and the second highest productivity rate ever recorded in Connecticut. Please keep them in mind while visiting the shore, allowing these birds the peace and comfort they need to raise their family. Our volunteers and staff will do their best to make this another record season.

Scott Kruitbosch
AAfCW Volunteer Coordinator
RTPI Conservation & Outreach Coordinator

AAfCW 2017 Volunteer Update #4

This is the fourth weekly update by the Audubon Alliance for Coastal Waterbirds (AAfCW) for the 2017 season. Today's update includes reports of Piping Plover and American Oystercatcher through 4:00 p.m. on May 1 with sightings of birds by volunteers and staff since the previous update on April 24.

Informational updates:

Nearly all of our "expected" Piping Plovers and American Oystercatchers have arrived by now, with a few potentially showing up in a handful of additional locations. Nests are beginning to be discovered with more frequency. The stormy weather and high tides did wash some nests away, especially impacting our Oystercatchers. Please remember whether it is a marked bird, a disturbance of note that however does not reach "take" status, a new nest, and other significant information, please email CT DEEP (Laura.Saucier@ct.gov and Rebecca.Foster@ct.gov) and AAfCW directly about it with all the information you can as soon as possible. Please see this blog entry about flagged birds in Connecticut this year.

Both Least and Common Terns begin returning to Connecticut usually right around May 1 meaning that it is time for them to begin trickling in. There have been a couple confirmed reports of both species here already. As we get into nesting season we have to keep in mind that the parents need to incubate and keep the eggs at the perfect temperature making it all the more important that if the temperature is below 50, above 90, it is raining, or it is especially windy, you should stay home on these dangerous days for the birds and soon to be young. Thank you all for your hard work!

Survey and monitoring updates:

Piping Plover
5 pairs, 1 nest at Milford Point on 4/24
2 pairs, 2 adults at Sandy Point Island on 4/24
5 pairs, 1 nest at Bluff Point on 4/24
7 pairs, 3 adults at Long Beach on 4/24
3 adults at Long Beach on 4/26
1 pair, 5 adults at Long Beach on 4/27
5 pairs, 2 adults at Milford Point on 4/27
1 pair, 1 adult, 1 nest at Long Beach on 4/27
5 pairs, 2 adults at Sandy/Morse Points on 4/27
5 pairs, 1 adult at Long Beach on 4/28
3 pairs, 5 adults, 1 nest at Bluff Point on 4/28
2 pairs, 3 adults at Sandy/Morse Points on 4/28
2 pairs, 9 adults at Long Beach on 4/28
4 pairs, 4 adults, 1 nest at Sandy/Morse Points on 4/29
7 adults at Sandy/Morse Points on 4/29
1 adult at Long Beach on 4/30
3 adults at Sherwood Island State Park on 4/30
6 pairs at Long Beach on 4/30
2 pairs, 2 adults at Long Beach on 4/30
6 pairs, 3 adults at Long Beach on 4/30
4 adults at Long Beach on 5/1

American Oystercatcher
3 pairs at Milford Point on 4/24
3 pairs at Milford Point on 4/24
1 pair at Long Beach on 4/24
9 pairs, 1 adult, 4 nests at Sandy Point Island on 4/24
1 pair at Bluff Point on 4/24
1 pair at Sandy/Morse Points on 4/26
1 pair at Long Beach on 4/26
2 pairs, 1 nest at Hammonasset on 4/26
1 pair, 3 adults at Bluff Point on 4/27
1 pair, 1 nest at Griswold Point on 4/27
2 pairs, 1 nest at Sandy/Morse Points on 4/27
1 pair at Compo Beach on 4/27
13 pairs, 7 nests at Cockenoe Island on 4/27
3 pairs at Milford Point on 4/27
3 pairs at Milford Point on 4/28
2 pairs at Sandy/Morse Points on 4/28
1 pair, 1 nest at Bluff Point on 4/28
3 pairs at Sandy/Morse Points on 4/29
1 pair at Sherwood Island State Park on 4/30
1 pair at Long Beach on 4/30
1 pair at Long Beach on 4/30

This concludes update #4 through 5/1/17 as of 6:00 p.m.