PIPL

PIPL

Monday, August 27, 2018

AAfCW 2018 Volunteer Update #14

This is the fourteenth regular weekly update by the Audubon Alliance for Coastal Waterbirds (AAfCW) for the 2018 season. Today's update includes reports of Piping Plover, American Oystercatcher, Least Tern and Common Tern from August 20 through 8:00am on August 27 with sightings of birds by volunteers and staff spanning the period.

Informational updates:

This is the final regular weekly update for the Audubon Alliance for Coastal Waterbirds for the 2018 season. If you visit your beach for monitoring through the end of the month we will certainly take your data and information as always. If for some reason you have not submitted all of your monitoring trips to us this year please do so as soon as possible. You are also more than welcome to continue birding and recording shorebirds, terns, and long-legged waders in Connecticut year-round, and if you would be so kind as to share your eBird checklists of those target birds with us via the eBird email share function (ctwaterbirds@gmail.com) we would really appreciate it!

We thank you for your assistance in helping us achieve another very successful season. While we would have liked to see a few more birds attempt to nest, especially our terns, we did wonderfully with all the birds that did raise their young on our beaches thanks to you. We will be hosting a volunteer thank you party at Stratford Point in the next couple of months, and we will email all of you details in coming weeks. We will provide you with some preliminary numbers for how our focal species did this season later in the fall as well. We hope all of you will join us again in 2019!

Survey and monitoring updates:

Piping Plover
4 adults at Sandy/Morse Points on 8/22
1 adult at Sandy/Morse Points on 8/22

American Oystercatcher
1 pair, 2 fledglings at Lover's Island on 8/21
1 pair at Umbrella Island on 8/21
1 adult at Sandy/Morse Points on 8/22
1 pair at Quinnipeag Rocks on 8/23

Least Tern
6 adults at Sandy/Morse Points on 8/22
3 adults, 2 hatchlings, 3 fledglings at Bluff Point on 8/23

Common Tern
242 adults/juveniles at Sandy/Morse Points on 8/22
300 adults/juveniles at Sandy/Morse Points on 8/22
3 adults, 1 juvenile at Bluff Point on 8/23

This concludes update #14 through 8/27/18 as of 12:00 p.m.

Monday, August 20, 2018

AAfCW 2018 Volunteer Update #13

This is the thirteenth regular weekly update by the Audubon Alliance for Coastal Waterbirds (AAfCW) for the 2018 season. Today's update includes reports of Piping Plover, American Oystercatcher, Least Tern and Common Tern from August 13 through 12:00pm on August 20 with sightings of birds by volunteers and staff spanning the period.

Informational updates:

Our weather should be somewhat improved this week, and the cooler temperatures after a cold front mean north winds should push more dispersing and migratory birds to us. Please keep an eye out for migrant target species, banded or flagged birds, or other shorebirds, terns, and waders worth nothing at your sites.

We have one more upcoming string fencing removal date set by CT DEEP. The Audubon Alliance for Coastal Waterbirds would appreciate any volunteers who could help us out at:

Sandy Point - Tuesday, August 21st at 10 a.m., rain date Thursday, August 23rd.

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!

Survey and monitoring updates:

Piping Plover
10 adults, 1 juvenile at Sandy/Morse Points on 8/14

American Oystercatcher
1 pair at Sandy/Morse Points on 8/14
1 pair at Compo Beach on 8/14
44 adults, 2 juveniles at Short Beach on 8/15
1 adult at Bluff Point on 8/15
1 pair, 1 fledgling at Sheep Rocks on 8/17
1 pair at Calf Pasture Island on 8/17
1 pair at Betts Island on 8/17
2 adults at Grassy Island on 8/17
1 pair at Crow Island on 8/17
1 pair, 1 juvenile at Copps Island on 8/17
1 pair, 1 adult at Goose Island on 8/17
2 pairs at Cockenoe Island on 8/17
43 adults, 2 juveniles at Menunketesuck Island on 8/18

Least Tern
16 adults/juveniles at Sandy/Morse Points on 8/14
23 adults, 4 hatchlings, 1 fledgling, 2 juveniles at Bluff Point on 8/17

Common Tern
109 adults/juveniles at Sandy/Morse Points on 8/14
330 adults/juveniles at Short Beach on 8/15
100 adults/juveniles at Sandy/Morse Points on 8/15
5 adults, 2 juveniles at Bluff Point on 8/17
32 adults, 12 juveniles at Crow Island on 8/17
35 adults/juveniles at Menunketesuck Island on 8/18

This concludes update #13 through 8/20/18 as of 8:30 p.m.

Monday, August 13, 2018

AAfCW 2018 Volunteer Update #12

This is the twelfth regular weekly update by the Audubon Alliance for Coastal Waterbirds (AAfCW) for the 2018 season. Today's update includes reports of Piping Plover, American Oystercatcher, Least Tern and Common Tern from August 6 through 4:00pm on August 13 with sightings of birds by volunteers and staff spanning the period.

Informational updates:

After some more wet weather we may see days where the heat is pushing our upper limits, so please keep that in mind while monitoring. Don't forget to bring a drink or stay home if the temperature goes above 90 or it is especially humid.

We have two more upcoming 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 15th at 10:30 a.m., rain date Friday, August 17th.
Sandy Point - Tuesday, August 21st at 10 a.m., rain date Thursday, August 23rd.

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!

Survey and monitoring updates:

Piping Plover
2 adults, 4 juveniles at Sandy/Morse Points on 8/7
1 juvenile at Long Beach on 8/7
3 juveniles at Sandy/Morse Points on 8/8
2 fledglings at Sandy/Morse Points on 8/8
4 juveniles at Sandy/Morse Points on 8/9
1 juvenile at Hammonasset on 8/12

American Oystercatcher
1 pair, 1 adult at Griswold Point on 8/7
2 adults at Long Beach on 8/7
2 adults at Sandy/Morse Points on 8/8
1 pair at Sandy/Morse Points on 8/8
3 pairs, 3 juveniles at Great Captain's Island on 8/8
1 pair, 1 juvenile at Little Captain's Island on 8/8
1 pair at Bower's Island on 8/8
1 pair at Bluff Point on 8/9
2 pairs, 42 adults, 2 juveniles at Milford Point on 8/9
2 pairs, 42 adults at Milford Point on 8/10
1 adult at Sandy/Morse Points on 8/10

Least Tern
31 adults, 7 juveniles at Sandy/Morse Points on 8/7

Common Tern
60 adults/juveniles at Sandy/Morse Points on 8/7
200 adults/juveniles at Griswold Point on 8/7
100 adults/juveniles at Waterford Town Beach on 8/7
50 adults/juveniles at Sandy/Morse Points on 8/8
70 adults, 25 juveniles at Sandy/Morse Points on 8/8
300 adults/juveniles at Milford Point on 8/10
238 adults/juveniles at Sandy/Morse Points on 8/10
250 adults/juveniles at Hammonasset on 8/12
87 adults/juveniles at Sandy/Morse Points on 8/12

This concludes update #12 through 8/13/18 as of 6:30 p.m.

Monday, August 6, 2018

AAfCW 2018 Volunteer Update #11

This is the eleventh regular weekly update by the Audubon Alliance for Coastal Waterbirds (AAfCW) for the 2018 season. Today's update includes reports of Piping Plover, American Oystercatcher, Least Tern and Common Tern from August 1 through 4:00am on August 6 with sightings of birds by volunteers and staff spanning the period.

Informational updates:

This week's weather concern will be the heat which may make it dangerous to be out at the beach at certain times. Please stay home if the temperature is above 90 degrees, especially considering the predicted humidity.

We now have three string fencing removal dates set by CT DEEP. The Audubon Alliance for Coastal Waterbirds would appreciate any volunteers who could help us out at:

Bluff Point - Thursday, August 9th at 10 a.m., rain date Monday, August 13th.
Long Beach - Wednesday, August 15th at 10:30 a.m., rain date Friday, August 17th.
Sandy Point - Tuesday, August 21st at 10 a.m., rain date Thursday, August 23rd.

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!

Survey and monitoring updates:

Piping Plover
2 fledglings at Milford Point on 8/1
6 juveniles at Sandy/Morse Points on 8/2
5 fledglings at Milford Point on 8/3
4 juveniles at Sandy/Morse Points on 8/4
1 juvenile at Sandy/Morse Points on 8/5

American Oystercatcher
23 adults at Milford Point on 8/1
1 pair, 1 hatchling at Salt Island on 8/2
1 adult at Tuxis Island on 8/2
1 adult at Sandy/Morse Points on 8/2
18 pairs, 38 adults, 8 fledglings, 1 nest at Cockenoe Island on 8/2
21 adults at Milford Point on 8/3
7 adults at Milford Point on 8/5
1 pair at Long Beach on 8/5

Least Tern
2 adults at Milford Point on 8/3
7 adults at Sandy/Morse Points on 8/4

Common Tern
120 adults/juveniles at Milford Point on 8/1
4 adults at Bluff Point on 8/1
19 adults/juveniles at Long Beach on 8/1
3 adults at Salt Island on 8/2
169 adults, 17 fledglings at Cockenoe Island on 8/2
160 adults/juveniles at Milford Point on 8/3
15 adults, 2 juveniles at Sandy/Morse Points on 8/5

This concludes update #11 through 8/6/18 as of 8:30 a.m.

Wednesday, August 1, 2018

AAfCW 2018 Volunteer Update #10

This is the tenth regular weekly update by the Audubon Alliance for Coastal Waterbirds (AAfCW) for the 2018 season. Today's update includes reports of Piping Plover, American Oystercatcher, Least Tern and Common Tern from July 24 through 8:00pm on July 31 with sightings of birds by volunteers and staff spanning the period.

Informational updates:

Poor weather may continue with intermittent wet and stormy conditions on days to come this week, and once again anyone going out to the shore should please keep an eye on the short term forecasts, radar, and the skies. We would like to thank our hard working field staff from various organizations all working together for the Audubon Alliance for Coastal Waterbirds as several of them are now wrapping up their field seasons.

This makes it all the more important that you, our volunteer monitors, please continue to visit your beaches and record all of your observations of birds and visitors as usual. Our active education and conservation stewardship work will continue through the end of August. There are still many beachgoers to reach and birds to spot, especially young beginning to stage before their first journey south, arrivals from nearby areas, and others with flags or bands we have not recorded. Negative data is important as well. Thanks again as we enter our final field month of the year!

Survey and monitoring updates:

Piping Plover
1 adult, 4 juveniles at Long Beach on 7/24
3 pairs, 4 adults, 6 fledglings at Long Beach on 7/24
2 adults, 2 juveniles at Sandy/Morse Points on 7/24
3 fledglings at East Broadway Milford on 7/25
1 pair, 11 adults at Long Beach on 7/27
3 adults, 8 fledglings, 2 juveniles at Milford Point on 7/27
25 fledglings/adults at Milford Point on 7/28
2 pairs, 8 adults at Milford Point on 7/29
4 juveniles at Sandy/Morse Points on 7/29
3 adults, 12 fledglings at Milford Point on 7/29
7 juveniles at Sandy/Morse Points on 7/30
3 fledglings at Sandy/Morse Points on 7/31
2 adults at Long Beach on 7/31

American Oystercatcher
1 pair at Long Beach on 7/24
2 pairs at Long Beach on 7/24
5 adults, 4 fledglings at Milford Point on 7/25
2 pairs at Sandy/Morse Points on 7/26
1 adult at Tuxis and Gull Rocks on 7/26
1 adult at Quinnipeag Rocks on 7/26
2 pairs at Shore Rock on 7/26
1 pair, 2 hatchlings at Branford Harbor Channel Marker on 7/27
1 pair at Umbrella Island on 7/27
1 pair, 2 fledglings at Green Island on 7/27
3 pairs, 10 adults at Milford Point on 7/27
1 pair, 1 adult at Kelsey Island on 7/27
16 adults at Milford Point on 7/28
1 adult at Sandy/Morse Points on 7/29
2 pairs, 10 adults at Milford Point on 7/29
1 adult at Long Beach on 7/29
15 adults at Milford Point on 7/29
1 adult at Sandy/Morse Points on 7/30
17 adults at Milford Point on 7/30
1 adult at Long Beach on 7/31
2 adults at Long Beach on 7/31

Least Tern
1 adult at Long Beach on 7/24
2 adults at Milford Point on 7/24
11 adults at Milford Point on 7/25
4 adults at Milford Point on 7/25
2 adults at Sandy/Morse Points on 7/26
3 adults at Milford Point on 7/27
4 adults at Milford Point on 7/28
3 adults at Milford Point on 7/29
2 adults at Milford Point on 7/30
3 adults at Sandy/Morse Points on 7/31
1 pair at Long Beach on 7/31

Common Tern
90 adults, 2 juveniles at Milford Point on 7/24
92 adults at Milford Point on 7/25
2 adults at Tuxis and Gull Rocks on 7/26
250 adults/juveniles at Milford Point on 7/27
18 adults at Green Island on 7/27
80 adults/juveniles at Milford Point on 7/28
95 adults at Milford Point on 7/29
15 adults at Long Beach on 7/30
70 adults at Milford Point on 7/30
1 pair at Long Beach on 7/31

This concludes update #10 through 8/1/18 as of 6:30 a.m.