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.