July 4th recap and reminders
Thank you to all of our volunteers who assisted with beach coverage during the Fourth of July weekend! With your help, we were able to ensure that no nests or chicks were harmed during Connecticut's busiest beach recreation weekend of the year.
At this point, nearly all of the Piping Plover and American Oystercatcher nests across the shoreline have failed or hatched, so we are unlikely to see any new nesting attempts for those species. Least Terns and Common Terns are typically a bit farther behind in their nesting season. Now, our focus shifts from protecting nests to ensuring that all of the remaining chicks on the beaches can successfully fledge before it is time for them to begin their southbound migration.
High temperatures and poor air quality have recently created some hazardous conditions on the beaches. As a reminder, please do not monitor if the "feels like" temperature is above 90°. For air quality, do not monitor if AQI reaches 151 or higher. Please remember to cancel your monitoring shifts on Bloomerang for either of these conditions. When you are on the beach in hot temperatures less than 90°, please remember to stay hydrated and take breaks when needed.
Birds may show signs of distress as a result of heat and/or disturbance from beach crowds. If you find a stressed, sick, or injured bird, do not interfere. Take photos of the bird, the location of the bird, and email ctwaterbirds@gmail.com, laura.saucier@ct.gov, and rsuzf@hotmail.com so we can get permitted staff on site to evaluate the situation as quickly as possible.
Upcoming Event: Salt Marsh Day
Join us for our next Salt Marsh Day at the Meigs Point Nature Center on July 18th, 10am-4pm. This month's theme: Diamondback Terrapins!
.jpg)
Audubon Alliance Field Staff Spotlight: Erika Maercklein
.png) |
| Photo: Julie Lesznar |
I monitor at Griswold Point, Rocky Neck, Cini Beach, Hammonasset, Salt Island, Menunketesuck, and a number of private beaches along the central Connecticut coast.
When did you begin working for Audubon?
I began working for Audubon in March of this year.
How did you get here? What would you like to do next?
After graduating from Central Connecticut State University in 2020, I’ve spent the past 6 years working a variety of seasonal wildlife technician positions. My first role was a wildlife rehabilitation technician position in coastal Alabama, where I discovered how much I enjoy hands-on work with a wide range of species. Since then, I’ve spent most of my career as a biological science technician with the Cape Cod National Seashore, focusing on shorebird management and protection. Most recently, I spent 6 months with the Nature Conservancy on Palmyra Atoll, assisting island conservation, coral reef monitoring, and blue water research in one of the most pristine island ecosystems in the world.
While shorebirds have become my favorite group to work with, what really draws me in is the coastal environment itself. I love spending my days on the beach, out in the sun, and working in places where the ocean is part of my everyday life. I’d love to continue building a career working with coastal species in tropical ecosystems.
.png) |
| Photo: Erika Maercklein |
What is your favorite part about this job?
My favorite part of my job has been learning from my fellow coastal waterbird technicians. Their leadership and work ethic have been crucial to my transition into this role at Audubon. The highlight of my week is when I get to survey on Menunketesuck Island alongside USFWS biologist Kris Vagos. She has been a great mentor for me in the field, and I’ve learned so much from her experience.
Another part of the job I’ve really appreciated is connecting with other wildlife organizations throughout Connecticut and finding opportunities to get involved in conservation work outside of my own project.
Who or what was the biggest influence that led to your career working with wildlife?
My parents have had the biggest influence on my career in wildlife conservation. Growing up, my dad sparked my curiosity about nature by taking me hiking and encouraging me to explore the outdoors. My mom gave me a love for the coast and some of my favorite memories are simply sitting on the beach with her, soaking up the sunshine and listening to the sound of the ocean.
Coastal ecosystems have always felt like home to me. They bring me a sense of peace and nostalgia, and I hope I can spend my career helping protect these habitats and the wildlife that depend on them.
What do you like to do outside of work?
I grew up as a competitive athlete, so staying active is still a big part of my life. Outside of work, I spend a lot of time in the gym, and I am always looking for ways to improve, whether that’s learning about fitness, nutrition, or just becoming a better version of myself. I also love spending time with my family and have a healthy appreciation for food. I like to think that my workouts help justify my appetite.
Volunteer Monitoring Data
Here is a summary of all volunteer-collected data submitted between June 26th and July 17th, 2026.
- Number of volunteer reports submitted: 78
- Total volunteer monitoring hours: 123
- Number of beachgoers engaged in conversations about birds/conservation: 148
 |
| Piping Plover. Photo: Merri Lee Metzger/Audubon Photography Awards |
Piping Plover Individual Adult Observations
Piping Plover nest counts:
 |
| American Oystercatcher. Photo: Aleksandar Baba-Vulic/Audubon Photography Awards |
American Oystercatcher Individual Adult Observations
American Oystercatcher nest counts:
 |
| Least Tern. Photo: Doug German/Audubon Photography Awards |
Least Tern Adult Observations
There were Least Tern adults observed at Greenwich Point, Long Beach, Milford Point, Silver Sands, Sandy Point, Griswold Point, and Bluff Point between June 26th and July 17th, 2026
 |
| Common Tern. Photo: Meryl Lorenzo/Audubon Photography Awards |
Common Tern Adult Observations
There were Common Tern adults observed at Long Beach, Milford Point, Sandy Point, Hammonasset, Griswold Point, and Waterford Town Beach between June 26th and July 17th, 2026.
---
Thank you to our volunteers for all that you do to help us protect our nesting shorebirds!
.jpg)
