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.