AAfCW 2016 Volunteer Update #2

This is the second weekly update by the Audubon Alliance for Coastal Waterbirds (AAfCW) for the 2016 season. Today's update includes reports of Piping Plover and American Oystercatcher from March 28 through 1:00 p.m. on April 4 with sightings of birds by volunteers and staff.

Informational updates:

We have some extremely difficult weather coming up this week with snow and temperatures well below freezing. We aim to monitor when the temperature is between about 50 and 90 degrees for both our own safety as well as that of the birds. For the most part the beaches are often quiet with cold temperatures and inclement weather, lessening the need for our outreach and education efforts or disturbance observations. Early in the season the temperature may be just below 50 without birds on nests or hatched young yet, and some careful monitoring can be permissible. However, please do skip monitoring this week during frigid temperatures, strong winds and snow.

We will let you know as soon as possible if Long Beach fencing or any other dates are postponed do to the unusual weather. Those dates are:

Wednesday, April 6th, 10:30 - Long Beach, Stratford
Meet at the far west parking area.

Monday, April 11th, 10:00 - Sandy/Morse Points, West Haven
Meet in the parking lot.

Friday, April 15th, 10:00 - Bluff Point, Groton
Meet in the parking area and CT DEEP will shuttle people out to the beach.

Remember that any and all volunteers are welcome including those who are not monitors. Volunteers should bring: work gloves, water, a snack, appropriate footwear, sunscreen, sunglasses, hats and whatever else you may need avoid too much sun. These locations can either be quite cool or very warm depending on the day so dress for any weather. A pocket knife or multi-tool can be handy and a sledge hammer or mallet can be helpful to bring. Plan for heavy lifting and toting, but be mindful of your safety. Please email us at ctwaterbirds@gmail.com if you can make it to any or all of these dates. Thank you!

New monitors, don't forget that new volunteer monitor beach training with CT DEEP is available to you on Sunday, April 17 at Sandy/Morse Points in West Haven: http://ctwaterbirds.blogspot.com/2016/03/new-volunteer-monitor-beach-training.html

Survey and monitoring updates:

Piping Plover

1 adult at Bluff Point on 3/28
1 pair, 4 adults at Sandy/Morse Points on 3/30

7 pairs at Milford Point on 3/31

3 pairs at Sandy/Morse Points on 3/31

4 adults at Griswold Point on 4/2

9 adults at Griswold Point on 4/3

American Oystercatcher

2 pairs at Bluff Point on 3/28
1 pair at Hammonasset on 3/30
2 adults at Sandy/Morse Points on 3/30

1 pair at Sandy/Morse Points on 3/30

3 pairs at Milford Point on 3/30
3 pairs at Milford Point on 3/31

2 adults at Griswold Point on 4/2

This concludes update #2 through 04/04/16 as of 2:00 p.m.