AAfCW 2021 Field Update #5

Good morning!

It has been a tough few days. Cold, windy, and rainy beaches have been largely devoid of beachgoers this holiday weekend, but the birds that make their homes on the shore have had a difficult time due to significant coastal flooding. Numerous nests have been lost to the Long Island Sound. String fencing and exclosures have been damaged or destroyed in some locations. Staff is working to take care of these situations when it is safe. 

In some areas, agitated pairs of birds were still guarding territory or destroyed nests. We did not want to add to their stress to try to fix something that would only be damaged again as tidal flooding occurred repeatedly on May 29 and 30. Repair work and more monitoring will be completed as the weather clears today and throughout the week. Please let us and CT DEEP know directly if you see damage, have nest losses, or new nests found - especially outside of fencing.

If you do not see any of our target species (Piping Plover, American Oystercatcher, and starting in May, Least Tern and Common Tern) please submit data regardless. Your trip information, hours, lack of birds, disturbances, observations of weather or people - all of that is vital to know. This is especially true as staff starts the annual June Piping Plover census across every potential beach habitat in the state of Connecticut. Please do report all four species, not only Piping Plovers, whenever you see them - just as you would plovers.

All birds hatched so far this year are still hatchlings. None have fledged and none are juveniles. Below are observations on our beaches as submitted from noon on May 20 through 12:00am today, Monday, May 31. Reports of data and information prior to May 20 were received but are excluded from listing below. Please try to submit data and information on the same day as your monitoring, or at most a day or two later. Information received weeks after a monitoring session is far less valuable to us in our 24/7 efforts. Thank you!

Piping Plover:

4 pairs, 2 nests at Bluff Point on 5/21

1 pair, 7 adults, 2 nests at Bluff Point on 5/21

1 adult at Long Beach on 5/21

1 adult at Griswold Point on 5/22

3 pairs at Long Beach on 5/23

8 pairs, 5 adults, 8 nests at Sandy/Morse Points on 5/23

1 pair, 1 hatchling, 1 nest at Mile Creek on 5/23

6 adults, 5 hatchlings at Milford Point on 5/24

2 adults, 2 nests at Bluff Point on 5/24

2 pairs, 2 adults at Griswold Point on 5/24

7 adults, 7 hatchlings, 5 nests at Milford Point on 5/24

4 pairs, 2 nests at Bluff Point on 5/25

16 adults, 6 hatchlings, 6 nests at Milford Point on 5/25

5 pairs, 2 adults, 3 nests at Long Beach on 5/25

4 pairs, 13 adults, 4 hatchlings at Sandy/Morse Points on 5/25

5 pairs, 4 adults, 7 hatchlings, 8 nests at Milford Point on 5/25

1 pair, 2 adults, 3 hatchlings, 1 nest at Milford Point on 5/27

2 pairs, 12 adults, 3 hatchlings, 3 nests at Sandy/Morse Points on 5/27

4 adults, 2 nests at Bluff Point on 5/28

American Oystercatcher:

2 pairs, 1 adult at Bluff Point on 5/21

1 pair, 1 nest at Griswold Point on 5/21

2 pairs, 6 adults, 2 nests at Bluff Point on 5/21

1 pair, 2 adults at Griswold Point on 5/22

1 adult, 1 nest at Long Beach on 5/23

2 adults at Silver Sands State Park on 5/23

1 pair at Fort Trumbull on 5/23

7 adults, 1 nest at Sandy/Morse Points on 5/24

1 adult at Milford Point on 5/24

1 pair, 2 hatchlings, 1 nest at Bluff Point on 5/24

1 pair at Griswold Point on 5/24

1 pair, 1 adult at Milford Point on 5/24

2 pairs, 3 hatchlings at Bluff Point on 5/25

5 adults, 1 nest at Milford Point on 5/25

1 pair at Long Beach on 5/25

5 pairs, 4 adults, 2 nests at Milford Point on 5/25

3 pairs, 1 adult at Sandy/Morse Points on 5/25

5 adults, 1 nest at Sandy/Morse Points on 5/27

1 adult at Bluff Point on 5/28

Least Tern:

2 adults at Bluff Point on 5/21

5 pairs, 2 adults at Griswold Point on 5/21

1 pair, 25 adults at Long Beach on 5/21

26 adults at Griswold Point on 5/22

6 adults at Long Beach on 5/23

17 pairs, 14 adults, 17 nests at Sandy/Morse Points on 5/23

24 adults, 1 nest at Sandy/Morse Points on 5/24

5 adults at Milford Point on 5/24

1 pair, 2 adults at Milford Point on 5/24

19 adults at Milford Point on 5/25

2 pairs, 17 adults at Long Beach on 5/25

18 pairs, 40 adults at Sandy/Morse Points on 5/25

50 adults at Sandy/Morse Points on 5/27

2 pairs, 8 adults at Bluff Point on 5/28

Common Tern:

1 pair, 2 adults at Bluff Point on 5/21

2 pairs, 2 adults at Milford Point on 5/24

2 adults at Milford Point on 5/25

2 pairs at Milford Point on 5/25

8 pairs, 30 adults at Sandy/Morse Points on 5/25

1 adult at Sandy/Morse Points on 5/27

1 adult, 1 nest at Milford Point on 5/28

Thanks again!

Memorial Day Weekend - Rain and High Tides

The weather forecast was extremely accurate for this Memorial Day weekend! Cold, windy, and rainy beaches have been largely devoid of beachgoers, but the birds that make their homes on the shore have had a difficult time thanks to coastal flooding. Numerous nests have been lost to the Long Island Sound. String fencing - and exclosures - have been damaged or destroyed in some locations. Staff is working to take care of these situations when it is safe. In some areas, agitated pairs of birds are still guarding territory or destroyed nests, and we do not want to add to their stress to try to fix something that would only be damaged again. Repair work and more monitoring will be completed as the weather clears tomorrow and throughout the week. The only species enjoying these days are birds like this Yellow-crowned Night-Heron photographed while feeding midday today.

Scott Kruitbosch
AAfCW Volunteer Coordinator

Share the Shore with Nesting Birds

Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection | Office of Communications 

For Information Contact: Will Healey | 860-716-0961 | Will.Healey@ct.gov 

Tony Russell | 860-966-6495 | Tony.Russell@ct.gov 

 

For May 28, 2021 

 

Share the Shore with Nesting Birds 

DEEP Announces Measures to Protect Shorebirds at Coastal Beaches and Wading Birds at Offshore Islands 

 

Connecticut’s Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) today announced that Charles Island in Milford and Duck Island in Westbrook will be closed to the public from now through September 9, 2021, to prevent disturbances to nesting birds. Both islands have been designated by DEEP as Natural Area Preserves, primarily due to their importance as nesting habitats for several state-listed birds, including snowy egrets and great egrets (state threatened species), glossy ibis, and little blue herons (state special concern). The two islands also have been designated as Important Bird Areas by Audubon Connecticut. 

 

In addition, the DEEP is asking beach visitors and boaters along the Connecticut shoreline to respect the fencing and yellow signs warning of piping plover and least tern nesting sites. The piping plover, a small, sandy-colored shorebird about the size of a robin, is a threatened species under the federal Endangered Species Act, as well as a state threatened species in Connecticut. The small, gull-like least tern, which nests in colonies in the same beach habitat as the piping plover, also is a state threatened species. 

 

“Each year, Charles and Duck Islands are closed during the nesting season to protect various bird species. Fencing also is erected at beach nesting areas along Connecticut’s shoreline to safeguard piping plovers and least terns,” said Jenny Dickson, DEEP Wildlife Division Director. “Closing the islands and enlisting the public’s help and cooperation are simple but effective ways to protect these birds.” 

 

Background: Closing of Charles and Duck Islands 

Protecting heron and egret nesting areas on Charles and Duck Islands are important steps to prevent disturbances that can result inabandonment of the nests and possibly of the entire colony. This would have a tremendous negative effect on these declining bird populations. 

 

To protect the nesting colonies (also known as rookeries) on Charles and Duck Islands, educational signs have been erected at access points describing these rare birds and why they should not be disturbed. Additionally, the sites are posted with island closure notices; the rookeries are fenced; and signs are posted that read “Do Not Enter – Bird Nesting Area.” 

When young birds become agitated by disturbances, they often fall from the nest. Once grounded, the young birds die of starvation or predation. If disturbances continue, the adults may abandon the nesting area. Examples of disturbances to these rookeries include unleashed dogs, boat and kayak landings, people approaching fenced nesting areas, campouts, and bonfires. 

 

Signs stating the closure of Charles and Duck Islands are posted and DEEP Environmental Conservation Police Officers will be patrolling the islands. The entire island areas are completely closed. Landing of watercraft on the beaches is prohibited. The public can help to protect nesting birds by following the closure and reporting any observed violations by calling DEEP’s 24-hour Dispatch Center at 860-424-3333. 

 

Background: Protection of Piping Plovers and Least Terns 

Human disturbance at beach nesting areas may result in nest abandonment by state threatened piping plovers and least terns or the loss of eggs and chicks. In response, each year DEEP delineates nesting sites with rope and fencing to dissuade people from disturbing the birds and nests. 

 

These shorebirds need special protection throughout their April to August nesting season and especially during the increased beach activity over the long Memorial Day and Fourth-of-July weekends. By obeying the warning signs and staying away from fenced areas, beach visitors can avoid disturbing the nesting birds. 

 

Both piping plovers and least terns use a shallow depression in sand for a nest. Their sand-colored eggs and young are so well camouflaged that they are easily stepped on. When intruders approach, young piping plovers are likely to stand motionless while the adult tries to attract attention by pretending to have a broken wing or flying around the intruder. If you witness this behavior, DEEP advises you to move away from the area at once. 

 

The DEEP Wildlife Division also provides the following advice to protect nesting shorebirds: 

• Walk close to the water on the lower beach, so birds can rest and nest on the upper beach. Signs usually alert you to these areas. Follow all other guidance on signs, and respect all areas fenced or posted for protection of wildlife. 
• Refrain from walking dogs or allowing house cats to roam freely on beaches during the nesting season. Dogs are not allowed at many beach areas during the bird nesting season. These areas include, but are not limited to, Compo Beach in Westport, Long Beach and Short Beach in Stratford, Pleasure Beach in Bridgeport, Silver Sands State Park and Milford Point in Milford, Sherwood Island State Park in Westport, Sandy Point in West Haven, Bluff Point Coastal Reserve in Groton, and Hammonasset Beach State Park in Madison. 
• At areas where dogs are allowed, always keep them on a leash, but remember that even leashed dogs have the potential to step on nests and young. Dogs also may harass sensitive shorebirds by chasing them. 
• Keep your distance while photographing or birdwatching so the birds feel safe to attend to their eggs and chicks. 
• Remove trash and food scraps, which attract animals that might eat piping plover eggs and chicks. 
• Do not feed animals or wildlife on or near the beach. 
• Do not attempt to “rescue” young birds that appear to be lost or too young. They should not be removed from the beach to be cared for at home. In most cases, when immature birds are found alone, the adults have been frightened away but remain nearby and will return to their young once the intruder leaves. 
  
  It is illegal to hold wildlife for rehabilitation without proper state or federal permits. In addition, shorebirds have a unique diet that people would find hard to duplicate, probably resulting in starvation of the young bird. Any violations affecting wildlife should be reported to the DEEP’s 24-hour, toll-free hot line: 1-800-842-HELP. 

Memorial Day Weekend 2021

Memorial Day weekend is traditionally the first busy beach weekend of the year, and it typically coincides with the first hatchling Piping Plovers and American Oystercatchers running around our shoreline. Additionally, Least and Common Terns are beginning to form colonies with nests reported in a multitude of locations. We need all the help we can get to monitor beaches and speak to beachgoers during this critical time. 

The weather should feature rain and clouds with cool temperatures through most of the weekend followed by some improvement and warming on Monday. If that turns out to be close to accurate there should be less traffic on the beaches than usual, but if anyone can help and put in some extra time at your location(s) with beach stewardship, especially on Memorial Day, we would greatly appreciate it! If you have your monitoring ID and your beach is closed to residents only, you can use the ID to enter if you explain you are there to monitor the shorebirds for CT DEEP.

Please do keep in mind we would still want to avoid being on the beach during any rain or when the temperature is below 50, or when it is very windy, to keep the eggs and young safe. We never want to approach or enter any fenced areas, even as monitors. We do not need to count eggs or individual tern nests. If birds are using distraction displays, dive bombing, call loudly - those are all signs to exit the area promptly with caution. We also do not want to spend time near nests or linger too long immediately around hatchling birds. Keeping an eye on all from a distance using equipment while staying near the waterline is safest. Thank you, and enjoy the weekend!

AAfCW 2021 Field Update #4

Good morning,

Once again, if you have not yet received an official DEEP ID card and/or lanyard, you will soon. No additional action is needed. The same goes for West Haven passes. Please do not go to West Haven until you receive a parking pass unless you are a resident with a parking sticker as they will ticket vehicles otherwise. 

CT DEEP and AAfCW staff are working seven days a week, dawn to dusk. Exclosing and/or additional fencing is continuing at all sites as fast as staff can complete it, and it is put up only when necessary. Piping Plover nest losses due to tides, predators, and otherwise are creating additional work each day. Destruction of fencing and/or signage due to tidal washouts and people, significant human or pet disturbances, or recreational activity within nesting areas also creates daily work across Connecticut. A handful of staff has to cover the Greenwich islands to the Rhode Island border while working only in safe land and boating weather conditions. Your observations are vital and enormously beneficial, even if they are not of birds.

Least and Common Terns are being seen more now as they form pairs and slowly build small colonies. Please review identification for these two species and report them as you do our shorebirds. The first Piping Plover and American Oystercatcher nests of 2021 have hatched in Connecticut. If you discover a new nest while monitoring please directly email: Laura.Saucier@ct.gov, rsuzf@hotmail.com, and ctwaterbirds@gmail.com. We need those direct contacts in addition to data entry for significant sightings and events like new nests. When entering data, if there are no nests, do not enter anything into the field. If you leave it untouched and blank it will be zero.

Hatchlings are extremely vulnerable to people, predators, weather, tides, and more. Please remember that we are a threat to the birds, too. Staying by the water, walking very slowly, observing all constantly and from afar with the aid of binoculars and spotting scopes - these steps help reduce our potential impact on the birds. Prioritize safety over precise data, and never enter fenced areas or approach exclosures.

The hatchlings will be seen all over the beach, foraging and freezing in place at times when frightened. It can be exceptionally difficult for experts to spot them even in good conditions. You do not need to discover and report all of the birds. Their parents will be keeping a close eye on them, and please remember to safely leave any area where you see distraction displays occurring or hear loud alarm calls. We also have warm, sunny beach weather, with more people heading to the shore. Please keep in mind we want to be positive, educate, and interact with kindness at all times.

Below are observations on our beaches as submitted from May 4 through 12:00pm yesterday, May 20. Please be aware partial surveys and negative data are received but not included in these updates.

Piping Plover:

4 pairs, 3 nests at Long Beach on 5/4

10 adults, 3 nests at Milford Point on 5/4

2 pairs, 2 adults, 3 nests at Milford Point on 5/4

2 pairs, 7 adults, 3 nests at Long Beach on 5/4

2 pairs, 2 adults at Bluff Point on 5/4

2 pairs, 3 adults, 3 nests at Long Beach on 5/4

26 adults at Sandy/Morse Points on 5/5

1 adult at Griswold Point on 5/6

2 pairs, 10 adults at Sandy/Morse Points on 5/6

2 pairs, 13 adults, 1 nest at Bluff Point on 5/6

2 pairs, 7 adults, 2 nests at Sandy/Morse Points on 5/7

2 pairs, 6 adults, 2 nests at Bluff Point on 5/7

3 pairs, 10 adults, 1 nest at Sandy/Morse Points on 5/7

2 pairs, 3 adults, 5 nests at Milford Point on 5/8

3 adults, 3 nests at Long Beach on 5/8

3 adults, 3 nests at Long Beach on 5/9

4 adults, 1 nest at Bluff Point on 5/9

2 pairs, 6 adults, 5 nests at Milford Point on 5/10

2 adults, 1 nest at Bluff Point on 5/10

1 pair, 1 nest at Griswold Point on 5/10

3 pairs, 3 adult, 3 nests at Long Beach on 5/11

4 pairs, 3 nests at Long Beach on 5/11

1 adult at Sandy/Morse Points on 5/11

3 pairs, 5 adults, 6 nests at Milford Point on 5/11

8 adults at Sandy/Morse Points on 5/12

3 pairs, 3 adults, 3 nests at Long Beach on 5/12

1 pair, 8 adults, 8 nests at Milford Point on 5/12

14 adults, 6 nests at Milford Point on 5/12

4 pairs, 6 adults, 4 nests at Sandy/Morse Points on 5/12

1 pair, 3 adults at Bluff Point on 5/12

1 pair, 11 adults, 3 nests at Sandy/Morse Points on 5/12

8 pairs, 5 adults, 8 nests at Milford Point on 5/13

4 pairs, 6 adults, 1 nest at Bluff Point on 5/13

6 pairs, 4 nests at Long Beach on 5/13

4 adults, 1 nest at Bluff Point on 5/14

2 pairs, 2 adults, 4 nests at Long Beach on 5/14

1 pair, 4 adults, 4 nests at Long Beach on 5/16

5 adults, 3 nests at Milford Point on 5/17

7 adults, 6 nests at Milford Point on 5/17

1 pair at Griswold Point on 5/17

3 adults at Milford Point on 5/17

14 adults, 5 nests, 6 hatchlings at Milford Point on 5/18

2 adults, 1 nest at Long Beach on 5/18

2 pairs, 1 nest at Long Beach on 5/18

2 pairs, 10 adults, 1 nest at Sandy/Morse Points on 5/18

5 pairs, 2 nests at Long Beach on 5/18

1 pair, 3 adults, 2 nests at Bluff Point on 5/18

8 adults at Sandy/Morse Points on 5/19

5 adults, 1 nest at Long Beach on 5/19

American Oystercatcher:

1 pair, 1 nest at Long Beach on 5/4

1 pair at Griswold Point on 5/4

8 adults, 2 nests at Milford Point on 5/4

2 pairs, 1 adult at Milford Point on 5/4

1 pair at Long Beach on 5/4

2 pairs, 2 nests at Bluff Point on 5/4

1 pair, 1 nest at Long Beach on 5/4

3 adults at Sandy/Morse Points on 5/5

1 pair at Griswold Point on 5/6

1 pair at Sandy/Morse Points on 5/6

1 pair, 2 adults, 1 nest at Bluff Point on 5/6

2 pairs, 1 adult, 1 nest at Sandy/Morse Points on 5/7

4 adults, 1 nest at Bluff Point on 5/7

1 adult at Sandy/Morse Points on 5/7

3 pairs, 2 nests at Milford Point on 5/8

1 pair, 1 nest at Long Beach on 5/8

1 pair at Long Beach on 5/9

2 adults at Bluff Point on 5/9

1 adult at Bluff Point on 5/10

1 adult at Griswold Point on 5/10

1 pair, 1 adult at Long Beach on 5/11

1 pair, 1 nest at Long Beach on 5/11

3 adults at Sandy/Morse Points on 5/11

2 pairs, 1 adult at Milford Point on 5/11

4 adults at Sandy/Morse Points on 5/12

1 pair at Long Beach on 5/12

6 adults at Milford Point on 5/12

2 pairs at Bluff Point on 5/12

1 pair, 2 adults at Sandy/Morse Points on 5/12

3 pairs, 6 adults, 1 nest at Milford Point on 5/13

1 pair, 1 nest at Griswold Point on 5/13

3 pairs, 1 nest at Bluff Point on 5/13

2 pairs at Long Beach on 5/13

1 pair at Bluff Point on 5/14

1 pair at Long Beach on 5/14

6 adults, 1 nest at Long Beach on 5/16

4 adults at Milford Point on 5/17

1 pair at Griswold Point on 5/17

1 adult at Milford Point on 5/17

4 adults, 1 nest at Milford Point on 5/18

1 pair, 2 adults, 1 nest at Long Beach on 5/18

3 pairs at Sandy/Morse Points on 5/18

1 pair, 1 nest at Long Beach on 5/18

2 pairs at Bluff Point on 5/18

3 pairs at Sandy/Morse Points on 5/19

1 adult at Long Beach on 5/19

Least Tern:

3 adults at Long Beach on 5/9

12 adults at Long Beach on 5/11

6 adults at Long Beach on 5/11

1 adult at Sandy/Morse Points on 5/11

13 adults at Sandy/Morse Points on 5/12

24 adults at Milford Point on 5/12

6 adults at Sandy/Morse Points on 5/12

20 adults at Milford Point on 5/13

1 pair at Griswold Point on 5/13

2 pairs, 1 nest at Bluff Point on 5/13

8 adults at Long Beach on 5/13

2 pairs, 3 adults at Bluff Point on 5/14

15 adults at Long Beach on 5/16

2 pairs at Griswold Point on 5/17

9 adults at Milford Point on 5/18

16 pairs, 40 adults, 8 nests at Long Beach on 5/18

6 adults at Long Beach on 5/18

20 adults at Sandy/Morse Points on 5/18

3 pairs, 12 adults, 4 nests at Long Beach on 5/18

3 adults at Bluff Point on 5/18

31 adults at Sandy/Morse Points on 5/19

7 adults at Long Beach on 5/19

Common Tern:

2 adults at Sandy/Morse Points on 5/5

30 adults at Sandy/Morse Points on 5/12

5 adults at Milford Point on 5/13

1 pair at Long Beach on 5/13

1 pair at Bluff Point on 5/14

1 pair, 5 adults at Milford Point on 5/17

4 adults at Milford Point on 5/17

6 adults at Milford Point on 5/18

4 adults at Sandy/Morse Points on 5/18

14 adults at Sandy/Morse Points on 5/19

Thanks again!

Trashing the Trash

Here is a recent photo of trash from West Haven. Apart from illegal littering, these piles are often left after illegal activities such as drinking, starting a fire, pets on the beach, or fireworks. One of the easiest and most helpful actions you can take to protect our habitats and wildlife is to always carry in, carry out while obeying local laws. Taking an active role in ensuring you remove all waste that you bring to a park, beach or any natural area is tremendously beneficial to staff and property owners as well. Any non-profit, municipal, state, or federal employee time can be spent in far better ways than cleaning up garbage. You will also help maintain a better natural appearance and encourage others who may not be as environmentally-minded to clean up after themselves so as to not detract from the aesthetic appeal. It will decidedly reduce dangerous human and wildlife interactions.

When it comes to AAfCW, removal of all trash greatly reduces the presence and threat of predators on our beaches and islands. Gulls, crows, foxes, raccoons, coyotes, skunks, bears, and more all congregate near trash, checking these food sources frequently, then venturing into bird nesting areas. They become a distraction and a direct threat to endangered species, forcing our birds into constant energy-expending vigilance at best and losing young, eggs and adults at worst. Many towns, counties, and even states do not provide waste receptacles because they become filled rapidly, with people contributing outside trash and creating a mess, attracting the aforementioned predators, and requiring cleaning by staff. I hope it is not too much to expect folks to clean up after themselves, leave waste at home, or carry out what you carry in when visiting a natural area.

Scott Kruitbosch
AAfCW Volunteer Coordinator

Killdeer Hatchling

I was driving through a parking lot earlier today when I noticed a familiar face pulling alongside me. This is a Killdeer hatchling, and mom and dad were nearby, rushing up to my vehicle with distraction displays to protect the little one. They called loudly, flew around, and one pretended to have a broken wing.

I do not know if they had more chicks or not, and it was a tough area to raise a family. Killdeers are often mistaken for Piping Plovers, though their habitats - gravel, open grass, dirt and stony lots for the former vs. sandy beaches and dunes for the latter - can be sufficient to identify them. When comparing the species, adult Killdeer are heavier, taller, brown rather than gray, have red eye rings, less vibrant legs, longer black bills, and two large black breast bands as opposed to one, with very different calls. Some of the same characteristics hold true for young birds. Be mindful in parking areas in May as you never know who might be running around.

2021 Field Training Completed

A huge thanks to all of our new Audubon Alliance for Coastal Waterbirds volunteers who came out for 2021 field training last weekend, led by the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection, Wildlife Division. Here you can see Laura Saucier speaking to the group before heading to the beach and Rebecca Foster leading the walk as we looked for Piping Plovers and American Oystercatchers.

We discussed biology to disturbances, data reporting to field techniques and tactics. We saw both of our focal species and any day now we will be able to see Least Terns and Common Terns back on our beaches. It was great to be able to get into the field safely with volunteers after missing all in-person training in 2020. We continue to work every single day, dawn to dusk, to help survey and steward our endangered nesting waterbirds.

AAfCW 2021 Field Update #3

If you have not yet received an official DEEP ID card and/or lanyard, you will soon. No additional action is needed. The same goes for West Haven passes. Please do not go to West Haven until you receive a parking pass unless you are a resident with a parking sticker as they will ticket vehicles otherwise. Fencing is continuing at all sites as fast as staff can complete it, and it is put up only when necessary. Piping Plover nests are being exclosed as soon as possible once they have completed the four-egg nest. A very small staff has to cover the entire state and complete this work in only bird-safe weather conditions. 

If you do not see any of our target species (Piping Plover, American Oystercatcher, Least Tern and Common Tern) please submit a trip report regardless. Least and Common Terns will be found more throughout the month, initially foraging, then courting, and beginning to pair off before hopefully forming larger colonies. Common Terns have been seen for about a week at more remote locations in the Long Island Sound, and a few Least Terns have popped up, too.

If you discover a new nest while monitoring please directly email: Laura.Saucier@ct.gov, rsuzf@hotmail.com, and ctwaterbirds@gmail.com. We need those direct contacts in addition to data entry for significant sightings and events like new nests. Please keep in mind birds often crouch in the sand or otherwise can appear to be on a "nest" when they are actually only trying to use camouflage or rest. Nests will very likely be in the high sand, above wrack lines, just below the dune.

Below are observations on our beaches as submitted from April 20 through 9:00am today, Tuesday, May 4. Please be aware negative data is received but not included in these updates.

Piping Plover:

2 adults, 1 nest at Milford Point on 4/20

4 adults, 1 nest at Bluff Point on 4/20

4 pairs at Long Beach on 4/20

6 adults at Sandy/Morse Points on 4/20

2 pairs, 3 adults, 2 nests at Sandy/Morse Points on 4/20

3 adults, 2 nests at Milford Point on 4/24

1 pair at Bluff Point on 4/24

4 pairs, 7 adults at Sandy/Morse Points on 4/24

3 pairs at Bluff Point on 4/24

1 adult at Milford Point on 4/25

2 adults at Bluff Point on 4/26

1 pair, 1 nest at Griswold Point on 4/26

1 pair, 3 adults, 2 nests at Milford Point on 4/27

5 adults, 2 nests at Milford Point on 4/27

1 adult at Bluff Point on 4/27

2 adults, 1 nest at Long Beach on 4/27

1 pair, 1 adult at Milford Point on 4/27

2 pairs, 5 adults, 2 nests at Long Beach on 4/28

2 pairs, 5 adults at Sandy/Morse Points on 4/28

6 adults at Long Beach on 4/28

14 adults at Sandy/Morse Points on 4/28

1 adult, 1 nest at Long Beach on 4/28

2 pairs, 11 adults at Sandy/Morse Points on 4/28

4 pairs at Long Beach on 4/28

8 pairs, 2 adults, 2 nests at Milford Point on 4/29

1 adult at Bluff Point on 4/30

4 adults at Bluff Point on 5/1

1 pair at Long Beach on 5/2

1 pair, 4 adults, 3 nests at Long Beach on 5/2

5 pairs, 3 nests at Milford Point on 5/3

1 pair, 3 adults at Bluff Point on 5/3

American Oystercatcher:

7 adults, 2 nests at Milford Point on 4/20

3 pairs, 1 nest at Sandy/Morse Points on 4/20

2 pairs, 1 adult at Milford Point on 4/24

2 pairs at Bluff Point on 4/24

1 pair, 1 adult, 1 nest at Milford Point on 4/25

3 adults at Bluff Point on 4/26

2 adults, 2 nests at Milford Point on 4/27

7 adults, 2 nests at Milford Point on 4/27

3 adults, 1 nest at Milford Point on 4/27

1 pair at Griswold Point on 4/28

1 pair at Long Beach on 4/28

3 pairs at Sandy/Morse Points on 4/28

1 pair, 1 adult at Sandy/Morse Points on 4/28

1 pair at Long Beach on 4/28

3 pairs, 1 adult at Sandy/Morse Points on 4/28

1 pair at Long Beach on 4/28

6 pairs, 1 adult, 2 nests at Milford Point on 4/29

1 adult at Bluff Point on 4/30

1 pair at Bluff Point on 5/1

1 pair at Griswold Point on 5/2

2 adults at Silver Sands State Park on 5/2

1 pair at Griswold Point on 5/2

1 pair, 6 adults, 1 nest at Long Beach on 5/2

1 pair at Long Beach on 5/2

2 pairs, 2 adults at Bluff Point on 5/3

Thanks again!