We wanted to pass along some preliminary estimates for our Piping Plovers and American Oystercatchers from the very successful 2017 season. At the moment we believe 66 pairs of Piping Plovers fledged 100 chicks, with the pair total being the most all-time for Connecticut and the chicks the fourth highest total ever. Widespread nest washouts and predators certainly had an impact on the fledge count, but being able to successfully host that many pairs is a tremendous accomplishment and speaks to your superb stewardship efforts.
American Oystercatchers did very well once again this season with 63 pairs fledging 63 chicks. Connecticut also had 63 pairs last year, and we have now tied that all-time high. The chick total is second all-time to the 2015 count of 64. Your participation in AAfCW helps them on our beaches as well as offshore islands that are not regularly monitored by volunteers because you allow our staff more time to concentrate on ensuring their success in these remote areas. Once again, these are the preliminary numbers, and later in the season CT DEEP will verify the totals and provide counts for other species such as the Least Tern. Thank you all so much for your incredible work this year!
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