AAfCW 2017 Volunteer Update #21

This is the twenty-first 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 Common Tern through 8:00 a.m. on August 28 with sightings of birds by volunteers and staff since the previous update on August 21.

Informational updates:

**Please note the change**

CT DEEP has changed the Sandy Point (West Haven) fencing removal date due to lingering Piping Plovers. The new date is now Wednesday, September 6th at 10 a.m. We apologize for any inconvenience!

This week we have one fencing removal party:
Long Beach, Wednesday August 30th at 10 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, and thank you!

Survey and monitoring updates:

Piping Plover

1 adult, 1 hatchling, 1 fledgling at Sandy/Morse Points on 8/22
1 adult at Sandy/Morse Points on 8/23

3 juveniles at Hammonasset on 8/23

1 hatchling at Sandy/Morse Points on 8/24

American Oystercatcher

2 adults, 2 juveniles at Baybrook Beach on 8/23
15 individuals at Menunketesuck Island on 8/24
72 individuals at Short Beach/Milford Point on 8/25

Common Tern

200 adults at Sandy/Morse Points on 8/22
431 adults, 61 juveniles at Bradley Point on 8/23
450 adults, 50 juveniles at Sandy/Morse Points on 8/23
300 adults/juveniles at Sandy/Morse Points on 8/24

This concludes update #21 through 8/28/17 as of 12:00 p.m.

AAfCW Additional Fencing Removal Dates

Next week we have two more string fencing removal dates set by CT DEEP. The Audubon Alliance for Coastal Waterbirds would appreciate any volunteers who could help us out at:

Long Beach, Wednesday August 30th at 10 a.m.
Sandy Point, Wednesday September 6th at 10 a.m.

Assisting not only helps AAfCW but it also greatly aids CT DEEP staff and their busy schedules. It also limits the stress on our birds. Please remember that taking down fencing in late summer 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, and thank you!

AAfCW 2017 Volunteer Update #20

The Audubon Alliance for Coastal Waterbirds (AAfCW) for the 2017 season. Today's update includes reports of Piping Plover, American Oystercatcher, and Common Tern through 12:00 p.m. on August 21 with sightings of birds by volunteers and staff since the previous update on August 15.

Informational updates:

This week is 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 on:

Thursday, August 24th at 10 a.m. at Bluff Point. Rain date, Monday August 28th at 10 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, and thank you!

Survey and monitoring updates:

Piping Plover

1 adult at Milford Point on 8/15

1 adult, 1 fledgling at Milford Point on 8/15

1 fledgling at Long Beach on 8/16
6 fledglings at Silver Sands State Park on 8/17
2 fledglings at Hammonasset on 8/17
1 adult, 1 hatchling at Silver Sands State Park on 8/18
2 adults, 6 juveniles at Sandy/Morse Points on 8/18
1 adult, 2 fledglings at Hammonasset on 8/20

American Oystercatcher

73 individuals at Milford Point on 8/15

5 adults at Baybrook Beach on 8/15
65 adults, 4 juveniles at Milford Point on 8/15
5 adults at Griswold Point on 8/15
2 adults at Sandy/Morse Points on 8/15
3 adults at Griswold Point on 8/15
7 pairs, 5 adults, 2 fledglings, 3 juveniles at Cockenoe Island on 8/16
18 adults at Seymour Point, Westport on 8/16
59 adults at Milford Point on 8/17
1 pair at Hammonasset on 8/17
2 adults, 1 juvenile at Baybrook Beach on 8/18
72 adults at Milford Point on 8/20
4 adults at Hammonasset on 8/20

Common Tern

6 adults at Griswold Point on 8/15
14 adults at Harkness Memorial State Park on 8/15
5 adults at Bluff Point on 8/15
9 adults at Sandy/Morse Points on 8/15
159 adults at Milford Point on 8/15
27 adults at Griswold Point on 8/15
27 adults at Hammonasset on 8/17
200 adults at Sandy/Morse Points on 8/20

This concludes update #20 through 8/21/17 as of 8:00 p.m.

AAfCW 2017 Volunteer Update #19

This is the nineteenth 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 August 15 with sightings of birds by volunteers and staff since the previous update on August 9.

Informational updates:

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 on:

Thursday, August 24th at 10 a.m. at Bluff Point. Rain date, Monday August 28th at 10 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, and thank you!

Survey and monitoring updates:

Piping Plover

1 adult, 2 fledglings at Silver Sands State Park on 8/9

1 adult, 1 fledgling at Sandy/Morse Points on 8/9
1 adult, 1 hatchling, 3 fledglings at Milford Point on 8/9
1 adult, 1 hatchling, 3 fledglings at Milford Point on 8/10
1 adult, 1 fledgling at Sandy/Morse Points on 8/10
1 adult, 2 hatchlings at Mumford Cove on 8/10
1 adult, 1 hatchling, 2 fledglings at Sandy/Morse Points on 8/10
1 adult, 1 fledgling, 8 juveniles at Hammonasset on 8/10
1 adult, 1 hatchling, 2 fledglings, 1 juvenile at Milford Point on 8/11
1 adult, 1 hatchling at Long Beach/Pleasure Beach on 8/11

3 adults, 2 juveniles at Long Beach on 8/11
2 adults at Sandy/Morse Points on 8/12
1 adult, 1 hatchling, 2 fledglings, 1 juvenile at Sandy/Morse Points on 8/12
7 fledglings at Hammonasset on 8/12

1 adult, 2 fledglings at Silver Sands State Park on 8/13

1 adult, 1 hatchling at Sandy/Morse Points on 8/13

7 fledglings at Hammonasset on 8/13
3 juveniles at Milford Point on 8/13
2 juveniles at Milford Point on 8/13

American Oystercatcher

1 pair at Sandy/Morse Points on 8/9

1 pair at Branford Harbor Channel Marker on 8/9

1 pair, 3 juveniles at Umbrella Island on 8/9
1 pair, 3 juveniles at Green Island on 8/9
2 pairs at Kelsey Island on 8/9
49 adults at Milford Point on 8/9
1 pair, 1 juvenile at Bluff Point on 8/10
1 adult at Griswold Point on 8/10
1 pair at Hammonasset on 8/10
1 pair, 1 fledgling at Salt Island on 8/10
2 pairs, 8 adults, 2 fledglings, 2 juveniles at Menunketesuck Island on 8/10
58 adults at Milford Point on 8/10
7 adults, 5 juveniles at Sandy Point Island on 8/11
3 adults at Bluff Point on 8/11
1 pair at Sandy/Morse Points on 8/12
1 pair at Hammonasset on 8/12
1 pair at Hammonasset on 8/13
2 adults at Silver Sands State Park on 8/13
55 adults at Milford Point on 8/13

Least Tern

12 adults at Harkness Memorial State Park on 8/10
30 adults, 5 hatchlings, 8 fledglings at Mumford Cove on 8/10
5 adults at Bluff Point on 8/10
2 adults, 1 fledgling at Hammonasset on 8/10
8 adults at Menunketesuck on 8/10

Common Tern

3 adults at Griswold Point on 8/9
200 adults/juveniles at Milford Point on 8/9
6 adults at Mumford Cove on 8/10
17 adults, 4 juveniles at Bluff Point on 8/10
300 adults at Griswold Point on 8/10
8 adults at Sandy/Morse Points on 8/10
71 adults, 11 juveniles at Hammonasset on 8/10
189 adults at Menunketesuck on 8/10
90 adults/juveniles at Milford Point on 8/10
1 adult, 1 fledgling at Salt Island on 8/10
4 adults at Bluff Point on 8/11
275 adults at Sandy/Morse Points on 8/12
34 adults at Hammonasset on 8/12

30 adults at Sandy/Morse Points on 8/12

150 adults at Sandy/Morse Points on 8/13

This concludes update #19 through 8/15/17 as of 5:00 p.m.

AAfCW 2017 Volunteer Update #18

This is the eighteenth 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 2:00 p.m. on August 9 with sightings of birds by volunteers and staff since the previous update on July 31.

Informational updates:

We are beginning to see reduced numbers of some of our focal species as adults and young exit the region or form larger flocks. Migration is well underway for most individuals, though we still do have a few nests and hatchlings, too. Your continued observations - including any negative data - and stewardship are valuable as we transition between seasons and collect more information on everything from preferred stopover sites to additional banded and flagged birds. Thank you all very much for your ongoing efforts.

Survey and monitoring updates:

Piping Plover

1 pair, 2 hatchlings at Mumford Cove on 7/31
1 adult, 5 fledglings at Bluff Point on 7/31
6 adults, 4 hatchlings at Hammonasset on 7/31
1 adult, 2 hatchlings at Silver Sands State Park on 8/1
2 adults, 1 hatchling at Milford Point on 8/1
1 adult, 1 hatchling at Silver Sands State Park on 8/1
1 adult, 2 hatchlings at Silver Sands State Park on 8/1

2 pairs, 1 hatchling, 2 juveniles at Long Beach on 8/1

1 adult at Short Beach on 8/1
5 adults, 1 hatchling, 12 fledglings at Milford Point on 8/2
1 fledgling at Long Beach on 8/2

2 pairs, 1 adult, 2 hatchlings, 3 fledglings at Sandy/Morse Points on 8/2

1 pair, 1 adult, 1 hatchling, 3 fledglings, 2 juveniles at Long Beach on 8/2

3 adults, 2 hatchlings at Sandy/Morse Points on 8/2
2 adults, 5 hatchlings, 5 juveniles at Hammonasset on 8/2
2 juveniles at Griswold Point on 8/3
3 adults, 9 fledglings at Milford Point on 8/3
3 adults, 2 hatchlings, 6 fledglings at Hammonasset on 8/4

2 juveniles at Long Beach on 8/4

2 adults at Sandy/Morse Points on 8/4

2 juveniles at Bluff Point on 8/4

2 adults, 2 fledglings, 2 juveniles at Sandy/Morse Points on 8/4

3 pairs, 7 adults, 1 hatchling, 12 fledglings at Milford Point on 8/4

3 adults, 4 hatchlings at Sandy/Morse Points on 8/4
1 adult, 2 hatchlings at Silver Sands State Park on 8/4

12 adults, 9 fledglings at Milford Point on 8/5

1 adult, 1 fledgling at Silver Sands State Park on 8/5
1 juvenile at Short Beach on 8/5
1 adult, 1 hatchling, 3 fledglings at Long Beach on 8/5

3 adults at Sandy/Morse Points on 8/6

1 adult, 1 hatchling, 4 fledglings, 2 juveniles at Sandy/Morse Points on 8/7
1 juvenile at Compo Beach on 8/8
1 adult at Milford Point on 8/8
2 fledglings at Silver Sands State Park on 8/8
1 adult at Sandy/Morse Points on 8/9

American Oystercatcher

1 pair, 1 adult at Griswold Point on 7/31
1 adult at Bluff Point on 7/31
1 adult at Silver Sands State Park on 8/1
1 pair, 1 fledgling at Salt Island on 8/1
1 adult at Silver Sands State Park on 8/1
2 pairs, 7 adults, 4 juveniles at Menunketesuck Island on 8/1

29 adults at Milford Point on 8/1

32 adults, 4 fledglings at Milford Point on 8/1

1 adult at Duck Island on 8/1
3 adults at Milford Point on 8/2
1 pair at Game Cock Island on 8/2
1 pair, 1 fledgling at Island Beach (Little Captain's Island) on 8/2
20 adults at Milford Point on 8/3
1 adult, 1 juvenile at Cedar Island, Thimble Islands on 8/3
3 adults at Veddar Point, Thimble Islands on 8/3
1 pair at Lewis Island, Thimble Islands on 8/3
1 pair at Wayland Island, Thimble Islands on 8/3

3 adults at Milford Point on 8/4

1 pair at Greenwich Island (Great Island) on 8/4
1 pair at Pelican Island on 8/4

1 adult at Bluff Point on 8/4

1 pair, 1 adult at Milford Point on 8/4

1 pair at Diving Island on 8/4
1 pair, 1 adult at Hammonasset on 8/4
1 adult at Long Beach on 8/5

2 pairs, 25 adults at Milford Point on 8/5

Least Tern

3 fledglings at Griswold Point on 7/31
2 adults at Hammonasset on 7/31

1 pair, 1 nest at Milford Point on 7/31

4 adults at Long Beach on 8/1

1 adult at Silver Sands State Park on 8/1

4 adults, 2 juveniles at Long Beach on 8/1

5 adults at Long Beach on 8/1
1 adult at Milford Point on 8/2
14 adults, 4 juveniles at Long Beach on 8/2
4 adults at Hammonasset on 8/2
1 pair at Griswold Point on 8/3
4 pairs, 1 adult, 1 nest at Harkness Memorial State Park on 8/3
10 adults at Hammonasset on 8/4

48 adults at Long Beach on 8/6

1 adult, 1 juvenile at Long Beach on 8/8

Common Tern

70 adults at Milford Point on 7/31

12 adults at Long Beach on 8/1

7 adults at Long Beach on 8/1
8 adults at Long Beach on 8/1
8 adults, 2 juveniles at Long Beach on 8/1
294 adults, 8 juveniles at Hammonasset on 8/2
251 adults at Griswold Point on 8/3
4 adults at Long Beach on 8/4
10 adults at Milford Point on 8/4
30 adults at Short Beach on 8/5

6 adults at Milford Point on 8/5

4 adults at Bluff Point on 8/6

33 adults at Milford Point on 8/6

12 adults at Sandy/Morse Points on 8/7
8 adults at Compo Beach on 8/8

6 adults at Bluff Point on 8/8

15 adults at Silver Sands State Park on 8/8

This concludes update #18 through 8/9/17 as of 8:00 p.m.