We hope you have been enjoying the offseason for the Audubon Alliance for Coastal Waterbirds. Today we are sharing results of the American Oystercatcher 2023 season as compiled by Elizabeth Amendola, Audubon Connecticut Coastal Program Coordinator. You'll find presentation slides in a PDF here that includes all the American Oystercatcher data from the start of the AAfCW in 2012 through 2023.
Happily, we can report that this season had the highest number of breeding pairs and chicks we have ever recorded, and the highest productivity as well. Our breeding population continues to increase thanks in part to all of your efforts! You'll see more information in the slides on beach vs. island birds, disturbances, and banding efforts, too. Predation and human disturbance continue to be a problem, and all of us will collectively work to lessen their impact in 2024. We hope you will be with us again next season.
We will soon be sending out the final 2023 numbers for Piping Plovers from CT DEEP Wildlife - stay tuned!
Best,
Scott Kruitbosch
AAfCW Volunteer Coordinator
