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.
PIPL
Monday, August 27, 2018
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Tuesday, July 24, 2018
AAfCW 2018 Volunteer Update #9
This is the ninth 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 17 through 6:00pm on July 24 with sightings of birds by volunteers and staff spanning the period.
Informational updates:
Our weather took a quick downturn in recent days with wet and stormy conditions canceling monitoring and damaging some more of our fencing and signage across Connecticut. This week may continue that pattern on and off, sometimes unpredictably - please keep an eye on the short term forecasts, radar, and the skies before you head out. Our staff is repairing or taking fencing down in applicable areas. Please let us know if you see anything that needs our attention. Otherwise our birds continue to fledge and feed young while beginning to stage in certain areas. We may see some with bands or flags that we have not recorded previously, so please continue to note and submit any that you are able to spot and identify. Let's keep educating as much as possible during the busy beach season, too - and thank you all!
Survey and monitoring updates:
Piping Plover
1 adult at Sandy/Morse Points on 7/17
5 adults, 8 fledglings at Milford Point on 7/17
4 adults, 5 fledglings at Long Beach on 7/17
2 pairs, 1 adult, 4 fledglings at Long Beach on 7/17
1 adult, 1 fledgling at Sandy/Morse Points on 7/18
1 adult, 1 hatchling, 1 fledgling at Shell Avenue Milford on 7/18
2 adults, 2 hatchlings, 6 fledglings at Milford Point on 7/18
4 adults, 3 hatchlings, 5 fledglings at Long Beach on 7/18
19 adults/fledglings at Milford Point on 7/19
3 adults, 2 fledglings, 1 adult/juvenile at Long Beach on 7/19
2 pairs, 4 fledglings at Sandy/Morse Points on 7/19
1 adult, 2 fledglings at Waterford Town Beach on 7/19
1 adult at Griswold Point on 7/20
19 adults/fledglings/juveniles at Milford Point on 7/20
1 adult, 1 hatchling at Bluff Point on 7/20
10 fledglings at Milford Point on 7/21
6 fledglings at Milford Point on 7/22
12 adults/fledglings at Milford Point on 7/23
1 adult, 4 fledglings at East Broadway Milford on 7/23
1 adult, 3 fledglings, 2 juveniles at Milford Point on 7/23
4 adults, 1 fledgling at Sandy/Morse Points on 7/24
American Oystercatcher
1 adult at Sandy/Morse Points on 7/17
1 pair at Long Beach on 7/17
6 adults at Milford Point on 7/17
2 pairs at Milford Point on 7/18
1 pair at Sandy/Morse Points on 7/18
1 pair at Long Beach on 7/19
1 pair at Quinnipeag Rocks on 7/19
1 pair at Silver Sands State Park on 7/19
1 pair at Waterford Town Beach on 7/19
8 adults at Milford Point on 7/19
1 pair, 1 adult, 1 hatchling at Bluff Point on 7/20
6 adults, 4 fledglings at Hammonasset on 7/20
3 pairs at Milford Point on 7/20
1 pair at Griswold Point on 7/20
1 adult at Hammonasset on 7/20
3 pairs, 1 adult at Milford Point on 7/21
1 adult at Milford Point on 7/21
4 pairs at Milford Point on 7/22
3 pairs, 5 adults at Milford Point on 7/23
8 adults at Milford Point on 7/23
Least Tern
13 adults, 1 nest at Sandy/Morse Points on 7/17
3 pairs, 17 adults, 3 nests at Milford Point on 7/17
3 adults at Long Beach on 7/17
6 adults at Milford Point on 7/18
1 pair at Long Beach on 7/19
1 adult at Milford Point on 7/19
1 adult at Bluff Point on 7/20
1 pair at Milford Point on 7/20
2 adults at Hammonasset on 7/20
2 adults at Milford Point on 7/21
14 adults at Milford Point on 7/22
3 adults at Milford Point on 7/23
8 adults at Milford Point on 7/23
6 adults at Sandy/Morse Points on 7/24
Common Tern
15 adults/juveniles at Milford Point on 7/17
22 adults, 3 juveniles at Milford Point on 7/19
5 adults at Waterford Town Beach on 7/19
3 adults, 1 juvenile at Long Beach on 7/19
21 adults at Griswold Point on 7/20
25 adults, 7 juveniles at Hammonasset on 7/20
2 adults at Bluff Point on 7/20
53 adults, 2 juveniles at Milford Point on 7/22
50 adults/juveniles at Milford Point on 7/23
80 adults/juveniles at Milford Point on 7/23
This concludes update #9 through 7/24/18 as of 7:00 p.m.
Informational updates:
Our weather took a quick downturn in recent days with wet and stormy conditions canceling monitoring and damaging some more of our fencing and signage across Connecticut. This week may continue that pattern on and off, sometimes unpredictably - please keep an eye on the short term forecasts, radar, and the skies before you head out. Our staff is repairing or taking fencing down in applicable areas. Please let us know if you see anything that needs our attention. Otherwise our birds continue to fledge and feed young while beginning to stage in certain areas. We may see some with bands or flags that we have not recorded previously, so please continue to note and submit any that you are able to spot and identify. Let's keep educating as much as possible during the busy beach season, too - and thank you all!
Survey and monitoring updates:
Piping Plover
1 adult at Sandy/Morse Points on 7/17
5 adults, 8 fledglings at Milford Point on 7/17
4 adults, 5 fledglings at Long Beach on 7/17
2 pairs, 1 adult, 4 fledglings at Long Beach on 7/17
1 adult, 1 fledgling at Sandy/Morse Points on 7/18
1 adult, 1 hatchling, 1 fledgling at Shell Avenue Milford on 7/18
2 adults, 2 hatchlings, 6 fledglings at Milford Point on 7/18
4 adults, 3 hatchlings, 5 fledglings at Long Beach on 7/18
19 adults/fledglings at Milford Point on 7/19
3 adults, 2 fledglings, 1 adult/juvenile at Long Beach on 7/19
2 pairs, 4 fledglings at Sandy/Morse Points on 7/19
1 adult, 2 fledglings at Waterford Town Beach on 7/19
1 adult at Griswold Point on 7/20
19 adults/fledglings/juveniles at Milford Point on 7/20
1 adult, 1 hatchling at Bluff Point on 7/20
10 fledglings at Milford Point on 7/21
6 fledglings at Milford Point on 7/22
12 adults/fledglings at Milford Point on 7/23
1 adult, 4 fledglings at East Broadway Milford on 7/23
1 adult, 3 fledglings, 2 juveniles at Milford Point on 7/23
4 adults, 1 fledgling at Sandy/Morse Points on 7/24
American Oystercatcher
1 adult at Sandy/Morse Points on 7/17
1 pair at Long Beach on 7/17
6 adults at Milford Point on 7/17
2 pairs at Milford Point on 7/18
1 pair at Sandy/Morse Points on 7/18
1 pair at Long Beach on 7/19
1 pair at Quinnipeag Rocks on 7/19
1 pair at Silver Sands State Park on 7/19
1 pair at Waterford Town Beach on 7/19
8 adults at Milford Point on 7/19
1 pair, 1 adult, 1 hatchling at Bluff Point on 7/20
6 adults, 4 fledglings at Hammonasset on 7/20
3 pairs at Milford Point on 7/20
1 pair at Griswold Point on 7/20
1 adult at Hammonasset on 7/20
3 pairs, 1 adult at Milford Point on 7/21
1 adult at Milford Point on 7/21
4 pairs at Milford Point on 7/22
3 pairs, 5 adults at Milford Point on 7/23
8 adults at Milford Point on 7/23
Least Tern
13 adults, 1 nest at Sandy/Morse Points on 7/17
3 pairs, 17 adults, 3 nests at Milford Point on 7/17
3 adults at Long Beach on 7/17
6 adults at Milford Point on 7/18
1 pair at Long Beach on 7/19
1 adult at Milford Point on 7/19
1 adult at Bluff Point on 7/20
1 pair at Milford Point on 7/20
2 adults at Hammonasset on 7/20
2 adults at Milford Point on 7/21
14 adults at Milford Point on 7/22
3 adults at Milford Point on 7/23
8 adults at Milford Point on 7/23
6 adults at Sandy/Morse Points on 7/24
Common Tern
15 adults/juveniles at Milford Point on 7/17
22 adults, 3 juveniles at Milford Point on 7/19
5 adults at Waterford Town Beach on 7/19
3 adults, 1 juvenile at Long Beach on 7/19
21 adults at Griswold Point on 7/20
25 adults, 7 juveniles at Hammonasset on 7/20
2 adults at Bluff Point on 7/20
53 adults, 2 juveniles at Milford Point on 7/22
50 adults/juveniles at Milford Point on 7/23
80 adults/juveniles at Milford Point on 7/23
This concludes update #9 through 7/24/18 as of 7:00 p.m.
Tuesday, July 17, 2018
AAfCW 2018 Volunteer Update #8
This is the eighth 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 10 through 8:00pm on July 16 with sightings of birds by volunteers and staff spanning the period.
Informational updates:
Over the next week we should see mostly seasonable conditions and continued good beach weather for our birds and the many visitors to our shores. Your education of beachgoers is always welcome and greatly appreciated. We have heard a lot of great and positive stories from interactions with the public this year amidst the typical disturbances, so please keep including all in your reports. Thank you so much for helping to clean our beaches as well and removing trash from *outside* of string fenced areas.
If you visit Pleasure Beach or Sandy/Morse Points you may see our WildLife Guards crew also conducting outreach and monitoring - please do say hello!
See more about the WildLife Guards on the Audubon Connecticut and Roger Tory Peterson Institute websites:
http://ct.audubon.org/conservation/coasts/wildlife-guards
http://rtpi.org/education/wildlife-guards/
And check out their Facebook page:
https://www.facebook.com/AudubonWildlifeGuards/
While we have the WildLife Guards visiting our shores, they are not there all the time and your observations and continued monitoring is still needed as usual through the end of August.
Survey and monitoring updates:
Piping Plover
1 adult, 1 hatchling at Shell Ave. Milford on 7/10
1 adult, 1 hatchling at Silver Sands State Park on 7/10
1 adult at Sandy/Morse Points on 7/10
5 pairs, 2 hatchlings, 7 fledglings at Milford Point on 7/10
3 adults, 2 hatchlings, 4 fledglings at Milford Point on 7/10
10 pairs, 14 fledglings at Long Beach on 7/10
1 adult at Sandy/Morse Points on 7/10
1 adult, 1 hatchling at Shell Ave. Milford on 7/11
7 adults, 1 hatchling, 3 fledglings at Bluff Point on 7/11
1 adult, 1 hatchling at Silver Sands State Park on 7/11
1 adult, 1 hatchling at Shell Ave. Milford on 7/12
9 adults, 8 fledglings, 2 hatchlings at Milford Point on 7/12
1 adult, 1 hatchling at Silver Sands State Park on 7/12
1 pair, 1 adult, 4 fledglings at Hammonasset on 7/12
5 pairs, 7 fledglings, 2 hatchlings at Milford Point on 7/12
1 adult, 1 fledgling at Sandy/Morse Points on 7/12
2 pairs, 3 adults, 2 hatchlings at Bluff Point on 7/13
1 adult, 1 fledgling at Silver Sands State Park on 7/14
1 fledgling at Silver Sands State Park on 7/14
1 fledgling, 1 juvenile at Long Beach on 7/14
2 pairs, 3 adults, 3 hatchlings, 5 fledglings at Long Beach on 7/15
11 adults, 7 fledglings at Milford Point on 7/15
1 pair, 1 hatchling at Griswold Point on 7/16
1 adult, 1 fledgling at Sandy/Morse Points on 7/16
1 adult, 2 hatchlings at Waterford Town Beach on 7/16
15 adults, 4 juveniles at Long Beach on 7/16
1 adult, 1 hatchling at Shell Ave. Milford on 7/16
2 pairs, 6 adults, 5 fledglings, 7 juveniles at Long Beach on 7/16
American Oystercatcher
1 adult at Sandy/Morse Points on 7/10
2 pairs, 1 adult at Milford Point on 7/10
2 adults at Sandy/Morse Points on 7/10
2 pairs, 1 adult at Long Beach on 7/10
2 pairs, 1 fledgling at Bluff Point on 7/11
1 pair at Long Beach on 7/11
2 pairs, 4 adults at Milford Point on 7/12
1 pair at Sandy/Morse Points on 7/12
4 pairs at Milford Point on 7/12
1 pair at Hammonasset on 7/12
11 pairs, 10 fledglings at Sandy Point Island on 7/12
1 pair at Lewis Island on 7/13
1 pair at Cedar Island on 7/13
3 adults at Hen Island on 7/13
1 adult at East Stooping Island on 7/13
1 pair, 1 adult, 1 hatchling at Bluff Point on 7/13
1 pair, 1 adult at Long Beach on 7/14
4 pairs at Milford Point on 7/15
1 pair at Griswold Point on 7/16
1 pair at Long Beach on 7/16
2 adults at Silver Sands State Park on 7/16
1 pair at Long Beach on 7/16
Least Tern
5 adults at Milford Point on 7/10
25 adults, 2 nests at Sandy/Morse Points on 7/10
3 pairs, 1 adult at Milford Point on 7/10
4 adults at Sandy/Morse Points on 7/10
4 adults, 1 nest at Milford Point on 7/12
3 adults at Hammonasset on 7/12
4 adults, 1 nest at Sandy/Morse Points on 7/12
1 adult at Bluff Point on 7/13
12 adults at Milford Point on 7/15
6 adults at Sandy/Morse Points on 7/16
5 adults at Long Beach on 7/16
Common Tern
10 adults at Milford Point on 7/10
1 pair at Long Beach on 7/10
5 adults at Milford Point on 7/10
6 adults at Hammonasset on 7/12
13 adults at Thimble Islands on 7/13
3 adults at Bluff Point on 7/13
1 pair at Long Beach on 7/14
8 adults at Milford Point on 7/15
1 adult at Silver Sands State Park on 7/16
This concludes update #8 through 7/17/18 as of 7:30 a.m.
Informational updates:
Over the next week we should see mostly seasonable conditions and continued good beach weather for our birds and the many visitors to our shores. Your education of beachgoers is always welcome and greatly appreciated. We have heard a lot of great and positive stories from interactions with the public this year amidst the typical disturbances, so please keep including all in your reports. Thank you so much for helping to clean our beaches as well and removing trash from *outside* of string fenced areas.
If you visit Pleasure Beach or Sandy/Morse Points you may see our WildLife Guards crew also conducting outreach and monitoring - please do say hello!
See more about the WildLife Guards on the Audubon Connecticut and Roger Tory Peterson Institute websites:
http://ct.audubon.org/conservation/coasts/wildlife-guards
http://rtpi.org/education/wildlife-guards/
And check out their Facebook page:
https://www.facebook.com/AudubonWildlifeGuards/
While we have the WildLife Guards visiting our shores, they are not there all the time and your observations and continued monitoring is still needed as usual through the end of August.
Survey and monitoring updates:
Piping Plover
1 adult, 1 hatchling at Shell Ave. Milford on 7/10
1 adult, 1 hatchling at Silver Sands State Park on 7/10
1 adult at Sandy/Morse Points on 7/10
5 pairs, 2 hatchlings, 7 fledglings at Milford Point on 7/10
3 adults, 2 hatchlings, 4 fledglings at Milford Point on 7/10
10 pairs, 14 fledglings at Long Beach on 7/10
1 adult at Sandy/Morse Points on 7/10
1 adult, 1 hatchling at Shell Ave. Milford on 7/11
7 adults, 1 hatchling, 3 fledglings at Bluff Point on 7/11
1 adult, 1 hatchling at Silver Sands State Park on 7/11
1 adult, 1 hatchling at Shell Ave. Milford on 7/12
9 adults, 8 fledglings, 2 hatchlings at Milford Point on 7/12
1 adult, 1 hatchling at Silver Sands State Park on 7/12
1 pair, 1 adult, 4 fledglings at Hammonasset on 7/12
5 pairs, 7 fledglings, 2 hatchlings at Milford Point on 7/12
1 adult, 1 fledgling at Sandy/Morse Points on 7/12
2 pairs, 3 adults, 2 hatchlings at Bluff Point on 7/13
1 adult, 1 fledgling at Silver Sands State Park on 7/14
1 fledgling at Silver Sands State Park on 7/14
1 fledgling, 1 juvenile at Long Beach on 7/14
2 pairs, 3 adults, 3 hatchlings, 5 fledglings at Long Beach on 7/15
11 adults, 7 fledglings at Milford Point on 7/15
1 pair, 1 hatchling at Griswold Point on 7/16
1 adult, 1 fledgling at Sandy/Morse Points on 7/16
1 adult, 2 hatchlings at Waterford Town Beach on 7/16
15 adults, 4 juveniles at Long Beach on 7/16
1 adult, 1 hatchling at Shell Ave. Milford on 7/16
2 pairs, 6 adults, 5 fledglings, 7 juveniles at Long Beach on 7/16
American Oystercatcher
1 adult at Sandy/Morse Points on 7/10
2 pairs, 1 adult at Milford Point on 7/10
2 adults at Sandy/Morse Points on 7/10
2 pairs, 1 adult at Long Beach on 7/10
2 pairs, 1 fledgling at Bluff Point on 7/11
1 pair at Long Beach on 7/11
2 pairs, 4 adults at Milford Point on 7/12
1 pair at Sandy/Morse Points on 7/12
4 pairs at Milford Point on 7/12
1 pair at Hammonasset on 7/12
11 pairs, 10 fledglings at Sandy Point Island on 7/12
1 pair at Lewis Island on 7/13
1 pair at Cedar Island on 7/13
3 adults at Hen Island on 7/13
1 adult at East Stooping Island on 7/13
1 pair, 1 adult, 1 hatchling at Bluff Point on 7/13
1 pair, 1 adult at Long Beach on 7/14
4 pairs at Milford Point on 7/15
1 pair at Griswold Point on 7/16
1 pair at Long Beach on 7/16
2 adults at Silver Sands State Park on 7/16
1 pair at Long Beach on 7/16
Least Tern
5 adults at Milford Point on 7/10
25 adults, 2 nests at Sandy/Morse Points on 7/10
3 pairs, 1 adult at Milford Point on 7/10
4 adults at Sandy/Morse Points on 7/10
4 adults, 1 nest at Milford Point on 7/12
3 adults at Hammonasset on 7/12
4 adults, 1 nest at Sandy/Morse Points on 7/12
1 adult at Bluff Point on 7/13
12 adults at Milford Point on 7/15
6 adults at Sandy/Morse Points on 7/16
5 adults at Long Beach on 7/16
Common Tern
10 adults at Milford Point on 7/10
1 pair at Long Beach on 7/10
5 adults at Milford Point on 7/10
6 adults at Hammonasset on 7/12
13 adults at Thimble Islands on 7/13
3 adults at Bluff Point on 7/13
1 pair at Long Beach on 7/14
8 adults at Milford Point on 7/15
1 adult at Silver Sands State Park on 7/16
This concludes update #8 through 7/17/18 as of 7:30 a.m.
Monday, July 9, 2018
AAfCW 2018 Volunteer Update #7
This is the seventh 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 2 through 12:00pm on July 9 with sightings of birds by volunteers and staff spanning the period.
Informational updates:
July is a month of change as we see hopefully all of our young birds grow up and be able to leave their beach later in the summer. Many of our Piping Plovers are now reaching fledgling and juvenile stages being able to fly and function on their own. However, we also still have hatchlings running around the very busy beaches. Please keep monitoring as scheduled and submitting your data as soon as possible. It is a great time of year for education as well with so many kids visiting the shoreline.
Thank you so much to everyone who put in the extra effort in monitoring over the holiday and/or attending fireworks events to assist CT DEEP and AAfCW staff. We appreciate everyone who continues to do a tremendous job on our beaches as we head into the latter half of another very successful season.
Survey and monitoring updates:
Piping Plover
5 pairs, 2 adults, 7 fledglings at Long Beach on 7/2
20 adults, 12 fledglings, 2 hatchlings at Milford Point on 7/3
8 adults, 2 juveniles, 1 hatchling at Sandy/Morse Points on 7/4
1 adult, 1 hatchling at East Broadway Milford on 7/4
1 pair, 19 adults, 6 hatchlings, 1 nest at Sandy/Morse Points on 7/4
2 pairs, 3 adults, 13 hatchlings at Milford Point on 7/4
1 adult, 1 hatchling at Silver Sands State Park on 7/4
4 pairs, 8 adults, 3 hatchlings, 6 fledglings, 1 nest at Long Beach on 7/4
4 adults, 3 hatchlings at Sandy/Morse Points on 7/4
1 adult, 1 hatchling at Silver Sands State Park on 7/5
2 pairs, 7 adults, 7 hatchlings, 1 fledgling at Milford Point on 7/5
8 adults, 12 fledglings at Sandy/Morse Points on 7/5
1 pair, 1 adult, 4 hatchlings at Harkness Memorial State Park on 7/5
1 pair, 2 hatchlings at Waterford Town Beach on 7/5
2 pairs, 5 adults, 7 fledglings at Long Beach on 7/6
1 pair, 10 adults, 2 fledglings at Long Beach on 7/6
1 adult, 1 hatchling at Silver Sands State Park on 7/7
4 pairs, 1 adult, 6 fledglings at Long Beach on 7/7
1 pair, 4 adults, 12 hatchlings, 1 fledgling at Milford Point on 7/7
5 adults, 1 juvenile at Bluff Point on 7/8
17 adults, 11 juveniles at Long Beach on 7/8
1 adult, 1 hatchling at Silver Sands State Park on 7/8
1 pair, 12 adults at Long Beach on 7/8
1 pair at Sandy/Morse Points on 7/8
4 pairs, 1 adult, 1 hatchling, 2 fledglings at Sandy/Morse Points on 7/8
6 pairs, 3 adults, 10 hatchlings at Long Beach on 7/8
American Oystercatcher
2 pairs, 1 adult at Long Beach on 7/2
2 pairs at Tuxis and Gull Rocks on 7/2
8 adults at Milford Point on 7/3
1 pair at Salt Island on 7/3
7 pairs, 1 adult, 1 nest at Menunketesuck Island on 7/3
2 pairs, 1 adult at Duck Island on 7/3
4 adults at Silver Sands State Park on 7/3
3 pairs at Vincent and Greenway Islands on 7/3
1 adult at Milford Point on 7/4
2 adults at Sandy/Morse Points on 7/4
1 pair at Long Beach on 7/4
1 pair at Ram Island on 7/5
2 adults, 1 pair at Salt Island on 7/5
3 pairs at Waterford Town Beach on 7/5
3 pairs at Milford Point on 7/5
1 adult at Long Beach on 7/6
2 adults at Silver Sands State Park on 7/7
3 pairs at Milford Point on 7/7
1 adult at Long Beach on 7/8
2 adults at Long Beach on 7/8
1 pair, 1 adult at Long Beach on 7/8
1 pair at Sandy/Morse Points on 7/8
Least Tern
20 adults at Milford Point on 7/3
7 adults at Sandy/Morse Points on 7/4
4 pairs at Milford Point on 7/4
15 adults at Sandy/Morse Points on 7/4
7 adults at Sandy/Morse Points on 7/4
3 pairs at Milford Point on 7/5
14 adults at Waterford Town Beach on 7/5
12 pairs, 12 nests at Harkness Memorial State Park on 7/5
3 pairs at Milford Point on 7/7
12 adults at Sandy/Morse Points on 7/8
4 pairs, 4 nests at Sandy/Morse Points on 7/8
1 pair at Long Beach on 7/8
Common Tern
1 adult at Milford Point on 7/3
3 adults at Salt Island on 7/5
5 adults at Harkness Memorial State Park on 7/5
5 adults at Sandy/Morse Points on 7/8
This concludes update #7 through 7/9/18 as of 4:00 p.m.
Tuesday, June 12, 2018
AAfCW 2018 Volunteer Update #6
This is the sixth 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 June 4 through 7:00pm on June 12 with sightings of birds by volunteers and staff spanning the period.
Informational updates:
Piping Plover hatchlings are being found across much of the state with some beaches filled with young birds. Once again we ask that you please monitor as much as you can in this critical time. Also continue to exercise caution around the little ones on the beach and advise any beachgoers the same in a positive, educational and polite way. We want to always be engaging in a productive and kind manner which also gets the best results.
Fireworks events will be happening in a few weeks. If you are interested in helping out in monitoring the birds prior to and potentially during the event in West Haven or Stratford on July 3, or potentially other beaches/nights, please email us at ctwaterbirds@gmail.com.
There will not be weekly email updates until the beginning of July, but all of your data is being received and read. Please keep all of the information coming in as soon as possible after you monitor and let us know if we can help you. Thank you all for your hard work!
Survey and monitoring updates:
Piping Plover
7 pairs, 1 adult, 2 nests, 8 hatchlings at Milford Point on 6/4
1 pair, 1 nest at Grass Island on 6/4
1 pair, 1 nest at East Broadway Milford on 6/5
2 pairs, 2 nests at Silver Sands State Park on 6/5
4 pairs, 6 adults, 10 nests at Long Beach on 6/5
13 adults, 7 nests, 2 hatchlings at Sandy/Morse Points on 6/5
2 pairs, 4 adults, 2 nests at Sandy/Morse Points on 6/5
6 pairs, 3 nests, 8 hatchlings at Milford Point on 6/5
1 pair, 1 nest at Short Beach on 6/5
12 pairs, 11 nests at Long Beach on 6/5
6 pairs, 6 nests, 4 hatchlings at Sandy/Morse Points on 6/5
3 pairs, 14 adults, 12 nests at Long Beach on 6/5
3 pairs, 3 adults, 4 nests, 4 hatchlings at Hammonasset on 6/5
8 pairs, 4 adults, 8 nests at Long Beach on 6/5
2 pairs, 2 nests at Silver Sands State Park on 6/6
4 pairs, 7 adults, 2 nests, 14 hatchlings at Bluff Point on 6/6
2 pairs, 15 adults, 12 nests, 3 hatchlings at Long Beach on 6/6
19 adults, 7 nests, 2 hatchlings at Long Beach on 6/7
7 adults, 5 nests, 4 hatchlings at Sandy/Morse Points on 6/7
4 pairs, 2 nests, 4 hatchlings at Milford Point on 6/7
20 adults, 11 nests, 5 hatchlings at Long Beach on 6/7
2 pairs, 2 nests at Silver Sands State Park on 6/7
2 pairs, 3 adults, 8 nests at Sandy/Morse Points on 6/7
2 pairs, 6 adults, 7 nests, 2 hatchlings at Long Beach on 6/7
5 pairs, 1 adult, 4 nests, 9 hatchlings at Milford Point on 6/7
1 adult at Short Beach on 6/7
6 pairs, 3 adults, 1 nest, 7 hatchlings at Bluff Point on 6/8
10 adults, 1 nest, 1 hatchling at Long Beach on 6/8
7 adults, 9 nests at Long Beach on 6/8
2 pairs, 1 adult, 1 nest, 4 hatchlings at Sandy/Morse Points on 6/9
1 pair, 4 hatchlings at Peck Ave. West Haven on 6/9
2 pairs, 2 nests at Silver Sands State Park on 6/9
2 pairs, 2 adults, 2 nests, 4 hatchlings at Sandy/Morse Points on 6/9
2 pairs, 5 adults, 1 nest, 1 hatchling at Milford Point on 6/10
1 adult, 1 nest at Silver Sands State Park on 6/10
16 adults, 8 nests, 2 hatchlings at Long Beach on 6/10
3 pairs, 2 adults, 2 nests, 4 hatchlings at Sandy/Morse Points on 6/10
1 pair, 1 nest, 2 hatchlings at East Broadway Milford on 6/11
4 pairs, 7 adults, 6 nests, 4 hatchlings at Long Beach on 6/12
1 adult, 1 nest at Silver Sands State Park on 6/12
4 pairs, 5 adults, 5 nests, 7 hatchlings at Long Beach on 6/12
American Oystercatcher
4 pairs at Milford Point on 6/4
1 adult at Grass Island on 6/4
1 pair, 1 nest at East White Top on 6/5
2 pairs, 1 nest at Betts Island on 6/5
1 pair at Long Beach on 6/5
2 pairs at Sandy/Morse Points on 6/5
1 pair, 1 nest at Long Beach on 6/5
1 pair, 1 adult, 1 nest at Sandy/Morse Points on 6/5
2 pairs, 1 nest at Long Beach on 6/5
1 pair, 1 adult at Hammonasset on 6/5
1 pair at Short Beach on 6/5
2 pairs at Long Beach on 6/5
3 pairs at Milford Point on 6/5
1 pair at Grassy Island on 6/5
1 pair at Goose Island on 6/5
2 pairs, 2 nests at Tuxis and Gull Rocks on 6/6
2 pairs at Long Beach on 6/6
2 pairs at Bluff Point on 6/6
2 pairs, 1 adult, 1 nest at Great Captain's Island on 6/6
1 pair at Island Beach on 6/6
1 pair at Shell Island on 6/6
1 pair, 1 nest at Calf Island on 6/6
5 adults at Sandy/Morse Points on 6/7
2 pairs, 1 adult at Long Beach on 6/7
1 adult at Long Beach on 6/7
1 pair at Sandy/Morse Points on 6/7
1 pair, 1 nest at Ram Island on 6/7
3 pairs, 5 adults, 1 nest at Milford Point on 6/7
2 pairs, 2 nests at Long Beach on 6/7
2 pairs at Bluff Point on 6/8
1 pair, 1 nest at Long Beach on 6/8
14 pairs, 2 nests, 2 hatchlings at Cockenoe Island on 6/8
2 pairs, 2 nests at Sandy/Morse Points on 6/9
1 pair, 4 adults at Sandy/Morse Points on 6/10
2 pairs at Long Beach on 6/10
1 pair, 1 adult at Milford Point on 6/10
1 adult at Long Beach on 6/12
4 adults at Long Beach on 6/12
Least Tern
16 adults at Sandy/Morse Points on 6/5
2 pairs at Long Beach on 6/5
8 adults at Long Beach on 6/5
28 adults, 9 nests at Sandy/Morse Points on 6/5
3 pairs at Long Beach on 6/5
4 adults at Bluff Point on 6/6
1 pair, 3 adults, 3 nests at Long Beach on 6/6
6 adults at Sandy/Morse Points on 6/7
2 adults at Milford Point on 6/7
8 adults, 2 nests at Long Beach on 6/7
15 adults at Sandy/Morse Points on 6/7
2 pairs at Long Beach on 6/7
6 adults at Long Beach on 6/8
2 adults at Bluff Point on 6/8
6 adults, 1 nest at Sandy/Morse Points on 6/9
15 adults, 3 nests at Sandy/Morse Points on 6/9
6 pairs, 10 adults, 6 nests at Sandy/Morse Points on 6/10
2 pairs, 5 adults at Long Beach on 6/12
2 adults at Long Beach on 6/12
Common Tern
1 adult at Salt Island on 6/6
1 adult at Milford Point on 6/7
150 pairs, 150 nests at Cockenoe Island on 6/8
2 adults at Sandy/Morse Points on 6/9
This concludes update #6 through 6/12/18 as of 8:30 p.m.
Informational updates:
Piping Plover hatchlings are being found across much of the state with some beaches filled with young birds. Once again we ask that you please monitor as much as you can in this critical time. Also continue to exercise caution around the little ones on the beach and advise any beachgoers the same in a positive, educational and polite way. We want to always be engaging in a productive and kind manner which also gets the best results.
Fireworks events will be happening in a few weeks. If you are interested in helping out in monitoring the birds prior to and potentially during the event in West Haven or Stratford on July 3, or potentially other beaches/nights, please email us at ctwaterbirds@gmail.com.
There will not be weekly email updates until the beginning of July, but all of your data is being received and read. Please keep all of the information coming in as soon as possible after you monitor and let us know if we can help you. Thank you all for your hard work!
Survey and monitoring updates:
Piping Plover
7 pairs, 1 adult, 2 nests, 8 hatchlings at Milford Point on 6/4
1 pair, 1 nest at Grass Island on 6/4
1 pair, 1 nest at East Broadway Milford on 6/5
2 pairs, 2 nests at Silver Sands State Park on 6/5
4 pairs, 6 adults, 10 nests at Long Beach on 6/5
13 adults, 7 nests, 2 hatchlings at Sandy/Morse Points on 6/5
2 pairs, 4 adults, 2 nests at Sandy/Morse Points on 6/5
6 pairs, 3 nests, 8 hatchlings at Milford Point on 6/5
1 pair, 1 nest at Short Beach on 6/5
12 pairs, 11 nests at Long Beach on 6/5
6 pairs, 6 nests, 4 hatchlings at Sandy/Morse Points on 6/5
3 pairs, 14 adults, 12 nests at Long Beach on 6/5
3 pairs, 3 adults, 4 nests, 4 hatchlings at Hammonasset on 6/5
8 pairs, 4 adults, 8 nests at Long Beach on 6/5
2 pairs, 2 nests at Silver Sands State Park on 6/6
4 pairs, 7 adults, 2 nests, 14 hatchlings at Bluff Point on 6/6
2 pairs, 15 adults, 12 nests, 3 hatchlings at Long Beach on 6/6
19 adults, 7 nests, 2 hatchlings at Long Beach on 6/7
7 adults, 5 nests, 4 hatchlings at Sandy/Morse Points on 6/7
4 pairs, 2 nests, 4 hatchlings at Milford Point on 6/7
20 adults, 11 nests, 5 hatchlings at Long Beach on 6/7
2 pairs, 2 nests at Silver Sands State Park on 6/7
2 pairs, 3 adults, 8 nests at Sandy/Morse Points on 6/7
2 pairs, 6 adults, 7 nests, 2 hatchlings at Long Beach on 6/7
5 pairs, 1 adult, 4 nests, 9 hatchlings at Milford Point on 6/7
1 adult at Short Beach on 6/7
6 pairs, 3 adults, 1 nest, 7 hatchlings at Bluff Point on 6/8
10 adults, 1 nest, 1 hatchling at Long Beach on 6/8
7 adults, 9 nests at Long Beach on 6/8
2 pairs, 1 adult, 1 nest, 4 hatchlings at Sandy/Morse Points on 6/9
1 pair, 4 hatchlings at Peck Ave. West Haven on 6/9
2 pairs, 2 nests at Silver Sands State Park on 6/9
2 pairs, 2 adults, 2 nests, 4 hatchlings at Sandy/Morse Points on 6/9
2 pairs, 5 adults, 1 nest, 1 hatchling at Milford Point on 6/10
1 adult, 1 nest at Silver Sands State Park on 6/10
16 adults, 8 nests, 2 hatchlings at Long Beach on 6/10
3 pairs, 2 adults, 2 nests, 4 hatchlings at Sandy/Morse Points on 6/10
1 pair, 1 nest, 2 hatchlings at East Broadway Milford on 6/11
4 pairs, 7 adults, 6 nests, 4 hatchlings at Long Beach on 6/12
1 adult, 1 nest at Silver Sands State Park on 6/12
4 pairs, 5 adults, 5 nests, 7 hatchlings at Long Beach on 6/12
American Oystercatcher
4 pairs at Milford Point on 6/4
1 adult at Grass Island on 6/4
1 pair, 1 nest at East White Top on 6/5
2 pairs, 1 nest at Betts Island on 6/5
1 pair at Long Beach on 6/5
2 pairs at Sandy/Morse Points on 6/5
1 pair, 1 nest at Long Beach on 6/5
1 pair, 1 adult, 1 nest at Sandy/Morse Points on 6/5
2 pairs, 1 nest at Long Beach on 6/5
1 pair, 1 adult at Hammonasset on 6/5
1 pair at Short Beach on 6/5
2 pairs at Long Beach on 6/5
3 pairs at Milford Point on 6/5
1 pair at Grassy Island on 6/5
1 pair at Goose Island on 6/5
2 pairs, 2 nests at Tuxis and Gull Rocks on 6/6
2 pairs at Long Beach on 6/6
2 pairs at Bluff Point on 6/6
2 pairs, 1 adult, 1 nest at Great Captain's Island on 6/6
1 pair at Island Beach on 6/6
1 pair at Shell Island on 6/6
1 pair, 1 nest at Calf Island on 6/6
5 adults at Sandy/Morse Points on 6/7
2 pairs, 1 adult at Long Beach on 6/7
1 adult at Long Beach on 6/7
1 pair at Sandy/Morse Points on 6/7
1 pair, 1 nest at Ram Island on 6/7
3 pairs, 5 adults, 1 nest at Milford Point on 6/7
2 pairs, 2 nests at Long Beach on 6/7
2 pairs at Bluff Point on 6/8
1 pair, 1 nest at Long Beach on 6/8
14 pairs, 2 nests, 2 hatchlings at Cockenoe Island on 6/8
2 pairs, 2 nests at Sandy/Morse Points on 6/9
1 pair, 4 adults at Sandy/Morse Points on 6/10
2 pairs at Long Beach on 6/10
1 pair, 1 adult at Milford Point on 6/10
1 adult at Long Beach on 6/12
4 adults at Long Beach on 6/12
Least Tern
16 adults at Sandy/Morse Points on 6/5
2 pairs at Long Beach on 6/5
8 adults at Long Beach on 6/5
28 adults, 9 nests at Sandy/Morse Points on 6/5
3 pairs at Long Beach on 6/5
4 adults at Bluff Point on 6/6
1 pair, 3 adults, 3 nests at Long Beach on 6/6
6 adults at Sandy/Morse Points on 6/7
2 adults at Milford Point on 6/7
8 adults, 2 nests at Long Beach on 6/7
15 adults at Sandy/Morse Points on 6/7
2 pairs at Long Beach on 6/7
6 adults at Long Beach on 6/8
2 adults at Bluff Point on 6/8
6 adults, 1 nest at Sandy/Morse Points on 6/9
15 adults, 3 nests at Sandy/Morse Points on 6/9
6 pairs, 10 adults, 6 nests at Sandy/Morse Points on 6/10
2 pairs, 5 adults at Long Beach on 6/12
2 adults at Long Beach on 6/12
Common Tern
1 adult at Salt Island on 6/6
1 adult at Milford Point on 6/7
150 pairs, 150 nests at Cockenoe Island on 6/8
2 adults at Sandy/Morse Points on 6/9
This concludes update #6 through 6/12/18 as of 8:30 p.m.
Wednesday, June 6, 2018
Black Skimmers at the Beach
We have had a few sightings of small groups of Black Skimmers recently by our staff and volunteers. These uncommon to rare birds are certainly a unique sight to see at the shore.
Once you see them over water and skimming as intended their bill makes a lot more sense. Have you had the pleasure of spotting them before?
Once you see them over water and skimming as intended their bill makes a lot more sense. Have you had the pleasure of spotting them before?
Tuesday, June 5, 2018
WildLife Guards Crew Leader Job Opening
Related to RTPI’s work with Audubon Connecticut in the Audubon Alliance for Coastal Waterbirds is our partnership on the Bridgeport WildLife Guards project: http://rtpi.org/education/wildlife-guards/
RTPI is once again teaming up with Audubon Connecticut to run the 2018 WildLife Guards program, which trains, mentors, and employs 16 local high schools students and four crew leaders who monitor nesting birds and engage visitors, families, and friends about two of Connecticut’s most important beaches and their wildlife. The WildLife Guards offer unique activities for children like making their own Piping Plover, coastal ecology walks and trail hikes, seine netting and plant identification. The program features education, conservation and advocacy in action five days a week, reaching thousands of visitors over the summer and making a difference for rare or endangered plants and wildlife while creating the next generation of environmentalists.
If you know a talented, responsible and eager college-aged person who would love to do some education, conservation and outreach this summer please encourage them to apply!
WildLife Guards Crew Leader Positions
Overview:
In 2014, Bridgeport’s Pleasure Beach reopened to the public after nearly 20 years. This barrier beach is a nesting site for the federally threatened Piping Plover and the state threatened Least Tern and hosts four state listed plant species. Sandy Point Important Bird Area in West Haven is also one of the most significant nesting areas in Connecticut for the Piping Plover and Least Tern plus the state threatened American Oystercatcher. It is a popular amongst fisherman and local residents looking for a beautiful walk along the shore. To ensure that these birds have the opportunity to nest successfully and to maintain the barrier beaches, a rare habitat in Connecticut, Audubon Connecticut created the WildLife Guards Program. The program trains, mentors, and employs 16 local high schools students and four crew leaders to monitor nesting birds and engage visitors, families, and friends about the beaches and their wildlife.
Position Summary:
The Roger Tory Peterson Institute of Natural History, in partnership with Audubon Connecticut, the City of Bridgeport, and the City of West Haven, is seeking four qualified individuals to serve as Crew Leaders – two in Bridgeport, two in West Haven. The Crew Leaders would supervise and train the 16 WildLife Guards (high school students) in their daily activities – eight Guards in Bridgeport, and eight Guards in West Haven. The Crew Leaders would receive a week of paid training (Mon. June 25th – Fri. June 29th), and their first week with the WildLife Guards will start on Tues. July 3rd through Sat. July 7th after which they will begin working with the crew regularly Tues. – Sat. from July 10th through Aug. 18th.
The Bridgeport Crew Leaders will work 40 hours each week, and the West Haven Crew Leader will work 30 hours per week – 35 during the training week, and 25 with the Guards during week one. Crew Leaders will be paid $15/hr. Bridgeport hours with the Guards are from 10:30am-4:30pm and West Haven hours with the Guards are from 9:00am-1:00pm with Thursday being 10:00am-4:00pm for all to accommodate offsite field trips. Extra time is built into the Crew Leader’s schedules for planning, additional outreach, logistics, etc.
Essential Functions:
• Mentor, motivate, and inspire youth serving as WildLife Guards.
• Facility team building and help the Guards work through challenging situations.
• Develop and model public outreach programs (Ex. walks, seine netting, touch tank, scavenger hunt, arts and crafts, etc.) to the WildLife Guards. WildLife are expected to take on running these programs after their first week or two.
• Create a schedule of activities (outreach programs, bird monitoring, and habitat restoration work) to be performed weekly by the WildLife Guards.
• Help in developing and teaching lessons to the WildLife Guards. Create and give weekly quizzes.
• Become familiar with program goals and a crew leader’s role in attaining them.
• Track metrics (# people engaged, # materials distributed, # pledges to protect birds signed, # hours spend monitoring birds, etc.)
• Work with the WildLife Guards to update and enhance the program website and Facebook page.
• Bridgeport Crew Leaders will also need to assist the WildLife Guards in planning and implementing three events (Ex. beach clean-up, native vegetation planting, etc.)
Qualifications and Experience:
• Crew Leaders must be responsible, mature, and able to serve as mentors to the WildLife Guards.
• Good communication skills required. Crew leaders should be comfortable interacting with the WildLife Guards, their families, the public, and project partners.
• Must be punctual and respond to emails, text messages, etc. in a timely manner.
• Good planning skills desired. In the event of poor weather, Pleasure Beach may not open on a given day (it is only accessible by water taxi). When this occurs the WildLife Guards will meet at an alternate location. Crew Leaders need check the weather daily, keep the Guards informed, and bring materials stored at Pleasure Beach off the island if it is likely the crew will be working from the alternate location. The West Haven Crew Leader will need to keep their Guards informed and plan to meet at an alternate location during inclement weather as well.
• Fluency in Spanish a plus.
• Knowledge of invasive plant species found in CT is also desirable.
• Crew Leaders are required to successfully complete a day long Basic First Aid/CPR certification course.
How to Apply: Send a cover letter and resume to Scott Kruitbosch, Conservation & Outreach Coordinator, Roger Tory Peterson Institute of Natural History, at skruitbosch AT rtpi.org.
Scott Kruitbosch
RTPI Conservation & Outreach Coordinator
AAfCW Volunteer Coordinator
RTPI is once again teaming up with Audubon Connecticut to run the 2018 WildLife Guards program, which trains, mentors, and employs 16 local high schools students and four crew leaders who monitor nesting birds and engage visitors, families, and friends about two of Connecticut’s most important beaches and their wildlife. The WildLife Guards offer unique activities for children like making their own Piping Plover, coastal ecology walks and trail hikes, seine netting and plant identification. The program features education, conservation and advocacy in action five days a week, reaching thousands of visitors over the summer and making a difference for rare or endangered plants and wildlife while creating the next generation of environmentalists.
If you know a talented, responsible and eager college-aged person who would love to do some education, conservation and outreach this summer please encourage them to apply!
WildLife Guards Crew Leader Positions
Overview:
In 2014, Bridgeport’s Pleasure Beach reopened to the public after nearly 20 years. This barrier beach is a nesting site for the federally threatened Piping Plover and the state threatened Least Tern and hosts four state listed plant species. Sandy Point Important Bird Area in West Haven is also one of the most significant nesting areas in Connecticut for the Piping Plover and Least Tern plus the state threatened American Oystercatcher. It is a popular amongst fisherman and local residents looking for a beautiful walk along the shore. To ensure that these birds have the opportunity to nest successfully and to maintain the barrier beaches, a rare habitat in Connecticut, Audubon Connecticut created the WildLife Guards Program. The program trains, mentors, and employs 16 local high schools students and four crew leaders to monitor nesting birds and engage visitors, families, and friends about the beaches and their wildlife.
Position Summary:
The Roger Tory Peterson Institute of Natural History, in partnership with Audubon Connecticut, the City of Bridgeport, and the City of West Haven, is seeking four qualified individuals to serve as Crew Leaders – two in Bridgeport, two in West Haven. The Crew Leaders would supervise and train the 16 WildLife Guards (high school students) in their daily activities – eight Guards in Bridgeport, and eight Guards in West Haven. The Crew Leaders would receive a week of paid training (Mon. June 25th – Fri. June 29th), and their first week with the WildLife Guards will start on Tues. July 3rd through Sat. July 7th after which they will begin working with the crew regularly Tues. – Sat. from July 10th through Aug. 18th.
The Bridgeport Crew Leaders will work 40 hours each week, and the West Haven Crew Leader will work 30 hours per week – 35 during the training week, and 25 with the Guards during week one. Crew Leaders will be paid $15/hr. Bridgeport hours with the Guards are from 10:30am-4:30pm and West Haven hours with the Guards are from 9:00am-1:00pm with Thursday being 10:00am-4:00pm for all to accommodate offsite field trips. Extra time is built into the Crew Leader’s schedules for planning, additional outreach, logistics, etc.
Essential Functions:
• Mentor, motivate, and inspire youth serving as WildLife Guards.
• Facility team building and help the Guards work through challenging situations.
• Develop and model public outreach programs (Ex. walks, seine netting, touch tank, scavenger hunt, arts and crafts, etc.) to the WildLife Guards. WildLife are expected to take on running these programs after their first week or two.
• Create a schedule of activities (outreach programs, bird monitoring, and habitat restoration work) to be performed weekly by the WildLife Guards.
• Help in developing and teaching lessons to the WildLife Guards. Create and give weekly quizzes.
• Become familiar with program goals and a crew leader’s role in attaining them.
• Track metrics (# people engaged, # materials distributed, # pledges to protect birds signed, # hours spend monitoring birds, etc.)
• Work with the WildLife Guards to update and enhance the program website and Facebook page.
• Bridgeport Crew Leaders will also need to assist the WildLife Guards in planning and implementing three events (Ex. beach clean-up, native vegetation planting, etc.)
Qualifications and Experience:
• Crew Leaders must be responsible, mature, and able to serve as mentors to the WildLife Guards.
• Good communication skills required. Crew leaders should be comfortable interacting with the WildLife Guards, their families, the public, and project partners.
• Must be punctual and respond to emails, text messages, etc. in a timely manner.
• Good planning skills desired. In the event of poor weather, Pleasure Beach may not open on a given day (it is only accessible by water taxi). When this occurs the WildLife Guards will meet at an alternate location. Crew Leaders need check the weather daily, keep the Guards informed, and bring materials stored at Pleasure Beach off the island if it is likely the crew will be working from the alternate location. The West Haven Crew Leader will need to keep their Guards informed and plan to meet at an alternate location during inclement weather as well.
• Fluency in Spanish a plus.
• Knowledge of invasive plant species found in CT is also desirable.
• Crew Leaders are required to successfully complete a day long Basic First Aid/CPR certification course.
How to Apply: Send a cover letter and resume to Scott Kruitbosch, Conservation & Outreach Coordinator, Roger Tory Peterson Institute of Natural History, at skruitbosch AT rtpi.org.
Scott Kruitbosch
RTPI Conservation & Outreach Coordinator
AAfCW Volunteer Coordinator
Monday, June 4, 2018
AAfCW 2018 Volunteer Update #5
This is the fifth 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 May 28 through 12:00pm on June 4 with sightings of birds by volunteers and staff spanning the period.
Informational updates:
We now have our first Piping Plover hatchlings of 2018! This will pick up very rapidly now with many young emerging in the next couple of weeks across all of Connecticut. Please monitor as much as you can in this critical time. There is no more important point of the year as this is when the young birds are the most vulnerable. Please exercise caution around the little ones on the beach and advise any beachgoers the same in a positive, educational and polite way.
While we will not see young terns for a few weeks, we do have some beginning to nest. Please remember that we do not need data such as egg counts or even nest or pair counts on these birds. We would prefer caution and care, staying by the water, and watching them from afar, not flushing them off nests. If they are calling and dive bombing you then you are too close and should move out of the area. If you see groups feeding in the Sound or a marsh, or flying around the beach from afar, counting them off quickly by fives and tens can get you a good estimate. These birds are disturbed and flushed so often by everything from predators to people that it is difficult for them to be successful, so ensuring we do not do that will help them tremendously.
Thank you all for your efforts!
Survey and monitoring updates:
Piping Plover
5 pairs, 4 adults, 6 nests at Bluff Point on 5/28
4 pairs, 4 nests at Mumford Cove on 5/28
1 pair, 1 nest at Griswold Point on 5/28
6 pairs, 1 adult, 5 nests at Bluff Point on 5/28
6 pairs, 5 nests at Sandy/Morse Points on 5/28
9 pairs, 2 adults, 9 nests at Long Beach on 5/29
2 pairs, 2 nests at Griswold Point on 5/29
9 pairs, 5 adults, 10 nests at Long Beach on 5/29
2 pairs, 1 adult, 2 nests at Silver Sands State Park on 5/29
10 pairs, 3 adults, 7 nests at Long Beach on 5/29
1 adult, 1 nest at Waterford Town Beach on 5/30
2 pairs, 2 nests at Silver Sands State Park on 5/30
7 adults, 3 nests at Milford Point on 5/30
1 pair, 1 nest at Griswold Point on 5/30
14 pairs, 13 nests at Long Beach on 5/30
7 adults, 6 nests at Milford Point on 5/30
3 pairs, 8 adults, 8 nests at Long Beach on 5/30
2 pairs, 4 adults, 2 nests at Silver Sands State Park on 5/30
2 pairs, 2 nests at Silver Sands State Park on 5/31
6 pairs, 6 nests at Milford Point on 5/31
20 adults, 12 nests at Long Beach on 5/31
2 pairs, 8 adults, 5 nests at Sandy/Morse Points on 5/31
25 adults, 8 nests at Long Beach on 5/31
1 pair, 1 nest at Peck Ave. West Haven on 6/1
4 pairs, 8 adults, 8 nests at Long Beach on 6/1
2 pairs, 2 nests at Silver Sands State Park on 6/1
2 adults, 2 nests at Silver Sands State Park on 6/3
2 adults, 1 nest at Silver Sands State Park on 6/3
7 pairs, 6 nests, 4 hatchlings at Sandy/Morse Points on 6/3
5 pairs, 1 adult, 4 nests, 6 hatchlings at Milford Point on 6/3
5 pairs, 5 adults, 10 nests at Long Beach on 6/3
1 pair, 1 nest at East Broadway Milford on 6/3
American Oystercatcher
2 pairs, 1 nest at Bluff Point on 5/28
1 pair at Griswold Point on 5/28
3 adults at Bluff Point on 5/28
2 pairs, 1 adult, 1 nest at Sandy/Morse Points on 5/28
1 pair at Long Beach on 5/29
1 pair, 1 nest at Branford Harbor on 5/29
1 pair, 1 adult, 1 nest at Sandy/Morse Points on 5/29
1 pair at Griswold Point on 5/29
1 pair at Green Island on 5/29
1 pair at Farm River on 5/29
1 adult at Kelsey Island on 5/29
1 pair, 4 adults at Darrow Rocks on 5/29
1 pair at Long Beach on 5/29
1 pair, 1 adult, 1 nest at Umbrella Island on 5/29
5 adults, 4 nests at Sandy/Morse Points on 5/29
1 pair at Pleasure Beach on 5/29
1 pair at Quinnipeag Rocks on 5/30
4 pairs, 3 nests at Waterford Town Beach on 5/30
1 pair at Lewis Island on 5/30
1 pair at House Chimney Island on 5/30
1 adult at Governor Island on 5/30
1 pair at East Stooping Bush Island on 5/30
1 pair at Smith Island on 5/30
3 pairs, 1 adult, 1 nest at Milford Point on 5/30
1 pair, 1 nest at Long Beach on 5/30
1 pair, 1 nest at Milford Point on 5/30
2 adults at Long Beach on 5/30
2 pairs, 1 adult, 1 nest at Sandy/Morse Points on 5/31
3 pairs, 2 adults, 2 nests at Milford Point on 5/31
2 pairs, 1 nest at Long Beach on 5/31
1 pair, 1 adult at Long Beach on 5/31
1 pair, 1 nest at Long Beach on 6/1
1 pair at Long Beach Island on 6/3
2 adults at Silver Sands State Park on 6/3
2 pairs, 1 nest at Sandy/Morse Points on 6/3
2 pairs, 11 adults, 1 nest at Milford Point on 6/3
1 pair at Long Beach on 6/3
Least Tern
24 adults, 9 nests at Bluff Point on 5/28
10 adults, 1 nest at Mumford Cove on 5/28
6 pairs, 8 adults at Bluff Point on 5/28
6 adults at Sandy/Morse Points on 5/28
6 adults at Long Beach on 5/29
2 pairs, 3 adults at Long Beach on 5/29
1 adult at Sandy/Morse Points on 5/29
6 pairs at Griswold Point on 5/30
1 adult at Milford Point on 5/30
8 pairs, 2 nests at Long Beach on 5/30
12 adults, 4 nests at Sandy/Morse Points on 5/31
2 pairs, 5 adults at Long Beach on 5/31
6 adults at Long Beach on 6/1
10 adults at Sandy/Morse Points on 6/3
2 adults at Milford Point on 6/3
14 adults at Long Beach on 6/3
Common Tern
4 adults at Umbrella Island on 5/29
32 pairs, 16 nests at Green Island on 5/29
4 adults at Kelsey Island on 5/29
2 pairs at Darrow Rocks on 5/29
8 adults at Thimble Islands on 5/30
1 adult at Silver Sands State Park on 5/30
This concludes update #5 through 6/4/18 as of 7:30 p.m.
Informational updates:
We now have our first Piping Plover hatchlings of 2018! This will pick up very rapidly now with many young emerging in the next couple of weeks across all of Connecticut. Please monitor as much as you can in this critical time. There is no more important point of the year as this is when the young birds are the most vulnerable. Please exercise caution around the little ones on the beach and advise any beachgoers the same in a positive, educational and polite way.
While we will not see young terns for a few weeks, we do have some beginning to nest. Please remember that we do not need data such as egg counts or even nest or pair counts on these birds. We would prefer caution and care, staying by the water, and watching them from afar, not flushing them off nests. If they are calling and dive bombing you then you are too close and should move out of the area. If you see groups feeding in the Sound or a marsh, or flying around the beach from afar, counting them off quickly by fives and tens can get you a good estimate. These birds are disturbed and flushed so often by everything from predators to people that it is difficult for them to be successful, so ensuring we do not do that will help them tremendously.
Thank you all for your efforts!
Survey and monitoring updates:
Piping Plover
5 pairs, 4 adults, 6 nests at Bluff Point on 5/28
4 pairs, 4 nests at Mumford Cove on 5/28
1 pair, 1 nest at Griswold Point on 5/28
6 pairs, 1 adult, 5 nests at Bluff Point on 5/28
6 pairs, 5 nests at Sandy/Morse Points on 5/28
9 pairs, 2 adults, 9 nests at Long Beach on 5/29
2 pairs, 2 nests at Griswold Point on 5/29
9 pairs, 5 adults, 10 nests at Long Beach on 5/29
2 pairs, 1 adult, 2 nests at Silver Sands State Park on 5/29
10 pairs, 3 adults, 7 nests at Long Beach on 5/29
1 adult, 1 nest at Waterford Town Beach on 5/30
2 pairs, 2 nests at Silver Sands State Park on 5/30
7 adults, 3 nests at Milford Point on 5/30
1 pair, 1 nest at Griswold Point on 5/30
14 pairs, 13 nests at Long Beach on 5/30
7 adults, 6 nests at Milford Point on 5/30
3 pairs, 8 adults, 8 nests at Long Beach on 5/30
2 pairs, 4 adults, 2 nests at Silver Sands State Park on 5/30
2 pairs, 2 nests at Silver Sands State Park on 5/31
6 pairs, 6 nests at Milford Point on 5/31
20 adults, 12 nests at Long Beach on 5/31
2 pairs, 8 adults, 5 nests at Sandy/Morse Points on 5/31
25 adults, 8 nests at Long Beach on 5/31
1 pair, 1 nest at Peck Ave. West Haven on 6/1
4 pairs, 8 adults, 8 nests at Long Beach on 6/1
2 pairs, 2 nests at Silver Sands State Park on 6/1
2 adults, 2 nests at Silver Sands State Park on 6/3
2 adults, 1 nest at Silver Sands State Park on 6/3
7 pairs, 6 nests, 4 hatchlings at Sandy/Morse Points on 6/3
5 pairs, 1 adult, 4 nests, 6 hatchlings at Milford Point on 6/3
5 pairs, 5 adults, 10 nests at Long Beach on 6/3
1 pair, 1 nest at East Broadway Milford on 6/3
American Oystercatcher
2 pairs, 1 nest at Bluff Point on 5/28
1 pair at Griswold Point on 5/28
3 adults at Bluff Point on 5/28
2 pairs, 1 adult, 1 nest at Sandy/Morse Points on 5/28
1 pair at Long Beach on 5/29
1 pair, 1 nest at Branford Harbor on 5/29
1 pair, 1 adult, 1 nest at Sandy/Morse Points on 5/29
1 pair at Griswold Point on 5/29
1 pair at Green Island on 5/29
1 pair at Farm River on 5/29
1 adult at Kelsey Island on 5/29
1 pair, 4 adults at Darrow Rocks on 5/29
1 pair at Long Beach on 5/29
1 pair, 1 adult, 1 nest at Umbrella Island on 5/29
5 adults, 4 nests at Sandy/Morse Points on 5/29
1 pair at Pleasure Beach on 5/29
1 pair at Quinnipeag Rocks on 5/30
4 pairs, 3 nests at Waterford Town Beach on 5/30
1 pair at Lewis Island on 5/30
1 pair at House Chimney Island on 5/30
1 adult at Governor Island on 5/30
1 pair at East Stooping Bush Island on 5/30
1 pair at Smith Island on 5/30
3 pairs, 1 adult, 1 nest at Milford Point on 5/30
1 pair, 1 nest at Long Beach on 5/30
1 pair, 1 nest at Milford Point on 5/30
2 adults at Long Beach on 5/30
2 pairs, 1 adult, 1 nest at Sandy/Morse Points on 5/31
3 pairs, 2 adults, 2 nests at Milford Point on 5/31
2 pairs, 1 nest at Long Beach on 5/31
1 pair, 1 adult at Long Beach on 5/31
1 pair, 1 nest at Long Beach on 6/1
1 pair at Long Beach Island on 6/3
2 adults at Silver Sands State Park on 6/3
2 pairs, 1 nest at Sandy/Morse Points on 6/3
2 pairs, 11 adults, 1 nest at Milford Point on 6/3
1 pair at Long Beach on 6/3
Least Tern
24 adults, 9 nests at Bluff Point on 5/28
10 adults, 1 nest at Mumford Cove on 5/28
6 pairs, 8 adults at Bluff Point on 5/28
6 adults at Sandy/Morse Points on 5/28
6 adults at Long Beach on 5/29
2 pairs, 3 adults at Long Beach on 5/29
1 adult at Sandy/Morse Points on 5/29
6 pairs at Griswold Point on 5/30
1 adult at Milford Point on 5/30
8 pairs, 2 nests at Long Beach on 5/30
12 adults, 4 nests at Sandy/Morse Points on 5/31
2 pairs, 5 adults at Long Beach on 5/31
6 adults at Long Beach on 6/1
10 adults at Sandy/Morse Points on 6/3
2 adults at Milford Point on 6/3
14 adults at Long Beach on 6/3
Common Tern
4 adults at Umbrella Island on 5/29
32 pairs, 16 nests at Green Island on 5/29
4 adults at Kelsey Island on 5/29
2 pairs at Darrow Rocks on 5/29
8 adults at Thimble Islands on 5/30
1 adult at Silver Sands State Park on 5/30
This concludes update #5 through 6/4/18 as of 7:30 p.m.
Saturday, June 2, 2018
Piping Plover Swim
As promised, here are some photos of this week's bathing Piping Plover "swimming" during bath time and cleaning up after. Way too cute!
Scott Kruitbosch
AAfCW Volunteer Coordinator
RTPI Conservation & Outreach Coordinator
Scott Kruitbosch
AAfCW Volunteer Coordinator
RTPI Conservation & Outreach Coordinator
Volunteer help needed!
Volunteer help needed!
June 1 through June 9 is the Piping Plover Census Window in Connecticut. During this window, we try to check typical non-breeding beaches just in case we have missed a piping plover pair or two! Volunteers, if you have the ability to walk any of these beaches listed below and email laura.saucier@ct.gov the following information, we would be grateful for the help:
1. beach name (include town),
2. date visited,
3. amount of time spent walking beach looking for piping plovers,
4. # of piping plovers observed (#adults, #chicks and # of nests),
5. behavior (foraging, acting territorial, etc.)
You likely will have to ask permission to access some of these areas; DEEP does not have any regular established contact with these sites. Showing your DEEP piping plover volunteer monitor badge and explaining that you will only be on-site for a short period of time to scout the beach for nesting shorebirds, will usually get you allowance into most sites.
If there are questions, please let me know.
Thanks,
Laura
Below is the list we have compiled over the years of sites that may have potential:
Piping Plover Census Areas (typically non-breeding sites)
· Sand Island, Greenwich
· Greenwich Point Park, Greenwich
· St. Vincent Island (Stamford Land Trust), Stamford
· Calf Pasture Beach, Norwalk
· Sasco Hill Beach (Fairfield Country Club), Fairfield
· Fairfield Town Beach
· Jennings Beach, Fairfield
· Penfield Beach, Fairfield
· Compo Beach State Park, Westport
· Driftwood Point, Westport
· Sherwood Island State Park, Westport
· Seaside Park, Bridgeport
· St. Mary’s by the Sea, Bridgeport
· Lordship/Russian Beach, Stratford
· Stratford Point, Stratford
· Laurel Beach, Milford
· Fort Trumbull Beach, Milford
· Walnut Beach, Milford
· Silver Sands State Park, Milford
· Savin Rock, W. Haven
· Nathan Hale Park Beach, New Haven
· E. Shore Park, E. Haven
· Lighthouse Point Park, E. Haven
· Cosey Beach, E. Haven
· Kelsey Island, Branford
· Whalers Point Rd?
· Guilford Town Beach, Guilford
· Jacobs Beach, Guilford
· Grass Island, Guilford
· Chaffinch Is. Rd., Guilford
· Madison Town Beach, Madison
· Clinton Town Beach, Clinton
· Hammonasset SP swimming beaches, Clinton
· Grove Beach, Clinton
· Small Beach, Clinton
· West Beach, Westbrook
· Grass Island, Westbrook
· Salt Island, Westbrook
· Westbrook private beaches, Westbrook
· Old Saybrook Town Beach, Old Saybrook
· Fenwick Point, Old Saybrook
· Mile Creek Beach, Old Lyme
· White Sands Beach, Old Lyme
· Millstone Beach, Waterford
· Pleasure Beach, Waterford
· Jordan Cove, Waterford (2 or 3 new spits forming here)
· Rocky Neck State Park, Niantic
· Old Black Point Beach, Niantic
· Attawan Beach, Niantic
· Niantic Bay Beach, Niantic
· Eastern Point, New London
· Pine Island, New London
· Esker Point, Groton (small; not likely that birds would nest here)
· Latimer Point Beach, Stonington
· Mason’s Island Beach, Stonington
· Ram Island Beach, Stonington
June 1 through June 9 is the Piping Plover Census Window in Connecticut. During this window, we try to check typical non-breeding beaches just in case we have missed a piping plover pair or two! Volunteers, if you have the ability to walk any of these beaches listed below and email laura.saucier@ct.gov the following information, we would be grateful for the help:
1. beach name (include town),
2. date visited,
3. amount of time spent walking beach looking for piping plovers,
4. # of piping plovers observed (#adults, #chicks and # of nests),
5. behavior (foraging, acting territorial, etc.)
You likely will have to ask permission to access some of these areas; DEEP does not have any regular established contact with these sites. Showing your DEEP piping plover volunteer monitor badge and explaining that you will only be on-site for a short period of time to scout the beach for nesting shorebirds, will usually get you allowance into most sites.
If there are questions, please let me know.
Thanks,
Laura
Below is the list we have compiled over the years of sites that may have potential:
Piping Plover Census Areas (typically non-breeding sites)
· Sand Island, Greenwich
· Greenwich Point Park, Greenwich
· St. Vincent Island (Stamford Land Trust), Stamford
· Calf Pasture Beach, Norwalk
· Sasco Hill Beach (Fairfield Country Club), Fairfield
· Fairfield Town Beach
· Jennings Beach, Fairfield
· Penfield Beach, Fairfield
· Compo Beach State Park, Westport
· Driftwood Point, Westport
· Sherwood Island State Park, Westport
· Seaside Park, Bridgeport
· St. Mary’s by the Sea, Bridgeport
· Lordship/Russian Beach, Stratford
· Stratford Point, Stratford
· Laurel Beach, Milford
· Fort Trumbull Beach, Milford
· Walnut Beach, Milford
· Silver Sands State Park, Milford
· Savin Rock, W. Haven
· Nathan Hale Park Beach, New Haven
· E. Shore Park, E. Haven
· Lighthouse Point Park, E. Haven
· Cosey Beach, E. Haven
· Kelsey Island, Branford
· Whalers Point Rd?
· Guilford Town Beach, Guilford
· Jacobs Beach, Guilford
· Grass Island, Guilford
· Chaffinch Is. Rd., Guilford
· Madison Town Beach, Madison
· Clinton Town Beach, Clinton
· Hammonasset SP swimming beaches, Clinton
· Grove Beach, Clinton
· Small Beach, Clinton
· West Beach, Westbrook
· Grass Island, Westbrook
· Salt Island, Westbrook
· Westbrook private beaches, Westbrook
· Old Saybrook Town Beach, Old Saybrook
· Fenwick Point, Old Saybrook
· Mile Creek Beach, Old Lyme
· White Sands Beach, Old Lyme
· Millstone Beach, Waterford
· Pleasure Beach, Waterford
· Jordan Cove, Waterford (2 or 3 new spits forming here)
· Rocky Neck State Park, Niantic
· Old Black Point Beach, Niantic
· Attawan Beach, Niantic
· Niantic Bay Beach, Niantic
· Eastern Point, New London
· Pine Island, New London
· Esker Point, Groton (small; not likely that birds would nest here)
· Latimer Point Beach, Stonington
· Mason’s Island Beach, Stonington
· Ram Island Beach, Stonington
Thursday, May 31, 2018
Piping Plover Bathing
Earlier this afternoon Stratford Point Land Steward Stefan Martin and I, AAfCW Volunteer Coordinator Scott Kruitbosch, enjoyed this bathing Piping Plover at one of our monitored beaches. It had just wrapped up taking a little swim while dunking its head frequently, letting waves hit it but dodging larger ones along the shore. This was the end of the bath before more preening and cleaning.
Our friend and former colleague Sean Graesser once recorded a swimming hatchling Piping Plover along with an adult, but this was a first in person for either of us. I'll post some of my swim photos tomorrow...
Scott Kruitbosch
AAfCW Volunteer Coordinator
RTPI Conservation & Outreach Coordinator
Our friend and former colleague Sean Graesser once recorded a swimming hatchling Piping Plover along with an adult, but this was a first in person for either of us. I'll post some of my swim photos tomorrow...
Scott Kruitbosch
AAfCW Volunteer Coordinator
RTPI Conservation & Outreach Coordinator
Monday, May 28, 2018
AAfCW 2018 Volunteer Update #4
This is the fourth 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 May 22 through 12:00pm on May 28 with sightings of birds by volunteers and staff spanning the period.
Informational updates:
Thank you to all of the monitors who went out to our beaches this holiday weekend, especially those who put in extra time volunteering. We - and the birds - really appreciate the help! Our weather continues to change frequently, with some days featuring cooler temperatures or rain. Some surveys below were reduced due to inclement weather moving in while monitoring. However, it should trend warmer and sunnier, with more people on the shore and more time available to monitor.
Piping Plover nests are being exclosed all over Connecticut. Please also remember that they will not be exclosed until the four egg nests are complete. We can begin to expect some hatchlings in the near future for some of the earliest nests. American Oystercatchers have started to hatch, and our terns have been now recorded with nests as well.
Survey and monitoring updates:
Piping Plover
2 adults, 4 nests at Long Beach on 5/22
5 pairs, 4 adults, 7 nests at Long Beach on 5/22
4 pairs, 1 adult, 7 nests at Long Beach on 5/22
6 adults, 5 nests at Sandy/Morse Points on 5/22
2 pairs, 1 nest at Silver Sands State Park on 5/23
1 pair, 7 adults, 6 nests at Long Beach on 5/23
11 adults, 3 nests at Sandy/Morse Points on 5/23
1 pair, 9 adults, 6 nests at Bluff Point on 5/23
2 pairs, 2 nests at Silver Sands State Park on 5/23
1 pair, 1 nest at Waterford Beach on 5/23
12 pairs, 12 nests at Long Beach on 5/23
4 pairs, 6 adults, 4 nests at Sandy/Morse Points on 5/24
2 pairs, 2 nests at Silver Sands State Park on 5/24
4 pairs, 1 adult at Griswold Point on 5/24
4 adults at Sandy/Morse Points on 5/24
1 pair, 1 nest at Short Beach on 5/24
2 pairs, 1 nest at Silver Sands State Park on 5/25
6 pairs, 1 adult, 5 nests at Bluff Point on 5/25
2 pairs, 7 adults, 6 nests at Milford Point on 5/25
2 pairs, 2 nests at Silver Sands State Park on 5/25
2 pairs, 2 nests at Cockenoe Island on 5/25
1 pair at Long Beach on 5/26
2 pairs, 2 nests at Silver Sands State Park on 5/26
1 pair, 1 nest at Waterford Beach on 5/26
7 pairs, 5 nests at Hammonasset on 5/26
7 adults, 1 nest at Bluff Point on 5/26
17 adults, 8 nests at Long Beach on 5/26
1 pair, 1 nest at Pleasure Beach on 5/26
American Oystercatcher
1 pair at Long Beach on 5/22
1 pair, 1 nest at Pleasure Beach on 5/22
3 pairs, 3 nests at Sandy/Morse Points on 5/22
1 pair at Long Beach on 5/22
1 adult at Silver Sands State Park on 5/23
1 pair at Long Beach on 5/23
1 pair, 1 adult at Waterford Beach on 5/23
2 pairs at Sandy/Morse Points on 5/23
1 pair, 1 nest at Quinnipeag Rocks on 5/23
2 pairs, 1 nest at Fish Islands on 5/24
1 pair, 1 nest at Compo Beach on 5/24
1 pair, 1 nest at Crab Island on 5/24
2 pairs, 1 adult at Sandy/Morse Points on 5/24
1 pair at Pleasure Beach on 5/24
2 pairs, 1 nest at Sandy/Morse Points on 5/24
2 pairs, 1 nest at Bluff Point on 5/25
1 pair, 1 nest at Compo Beach on 5/25
14 pairs, 8 nests at Cockenoe Island on 5/25
2 pairs, 2 nests at Milford Point on 5/25
2 pairs, 1 adult, 1 nest at Bluff Point on 5/26
1 adult at Chaffinch Island on 5/26
2 pairs, 1 adult at Hammonasset on 5/26
1 pair at Bluff Point on 5/26
Least Tern
12 adults at Long Beach on 5/22
2 pairs at Sandy/Morse Points on 5/22
3 adults at Griswold Point on 5/23
1 pair, 1 adult at Sandy/Morse Points on 5/24
2 adults at Sandy/Morse Points on 5/24
3 adults at Griswold Point on 5/24
4 adults at Hammonasset on 5/24
9 adults at Sandy/Morse Points on 5/24
2 adults at Silver Sands State Park on 5/25
11 adults at Bluff Point on 5/25
1 pair, 3 adults at Silver Sands State Park on 5/25
12 adults at Milford Point on 5/25
8 pairs, 8 adults, 1 nest at Bluff Point on 5/26
2 pairs, 12 adults at Hammonasset on 5/26
5 pairs at Bluff Point on 5/26
5 adults at Long Beach on 5/26
Common Tern
4 adults at Long Beach on 5/22
6 adults at Waterford Beach on 5/23
2 adults at Sandy/Morse Points on 5/23
4 adults Sherwood Island State Park on 5/24
3 adults at Sandy/Morse Points on 5/24
1 adult at Bluff Point on 5/25
200 pairs at Cockenoe Island on 5/25
3 adults at Hammonasset on 5/26
15 adults at Chaffinch Island on 5/26
1 adult at Long Beach on 5/26
Informational updates:
Thank you to all of the monitors who went out to our beaches this holiday weekend, especially those who put in extra time volunteering. We - and the birds - really appreciate the help! Our weather continues to change frequently, with some days featuring cooler temperatures or rain. Some surveys below were reduced due to inclement weather moving in while monitoring. However, it should trend warmer and sunnier, with more people on the shore and more time available to monitor.
Piping Plover nests are being exclosed all over Connecticut. Please also remember that they will not be exclosed until the four egg nests are complete. We can begin to expect some hatchlings in the near future for some of the earliest nests. American Oystercatchers have started to hatch, and our terns have been now recorded with nests as well.
Survey and monitoring updates:
Piping Plover
2 adults, 4 nests at Long Beach on 5/22
5 pairs, 4 adults, 7 nests at Long Beach on 5/22
4 pairs, 1 adult, 7 nests at Long Beach on 5/22
6 adults, 5 nests at Sandy/Morse Points on 5/22
2 pairs, 1 nest at Silver Sands State Park on 5/23
1 pair, 7 adults, 6 nests at Long Beach on 5/23
11 adults, 3 nests at Sandy/Morse Points on 5/23
1 pair, 9 adults, 6 nests at Bluff Point on 5/23
2 pairs, 2 nests at Silver Sands State Park on 5/23
1 pair, 1 nest at Waterford Beach on 5/23
12 pairs, 12 nests at Long Beach on 5/23
4 pairs, 6 adults, 4 nests at Sandy/Morse Points on 5/24
2 pairs, 2 nests at Silver Sands State Park on 5/24
4 pairs, 1 adult at Griswold Point on 5/24
4 adults at Sandy/Morse Points on 5/24
1 pair, 1 nest at Short Beach on 5/24
2 pairs, 1 nest at Silver Sands State Park on 5/25
6 pairs, 1 adult, 5 nests at Bluff Point on 5/25
2 pairs, 7 adults, 6 nests at Milford Point on 5/25
2 pairs, 2 nests at Silver Sands State Park on 5/25
2 pairs, 2 nests at Cockenoe Island on 5/25
1 pair at Long Beach on 5/26
2 pairs, 2 nests at Silver Sands State Park on 5/26
1 pair, 1 nest at Waterford Beach on 5/26
7 pairs, 5 nests at Hammonasset on 5/26
7 adults, 1 nest at Bluff Point on 5/26
17 adults, 8 nests at Long Beach on 5/26
1 pair, 1 nest at Pleasure Beach on 5/26
American Oystercatcher
1 pair at Long Beach on 5/22
1 pair, 1 nest at Pleasure Beach on 5/22
3 pairs, 3 nests at Sandy/Morse Points on 5/22
1 pair at Long Beach on 5/22
1 adult at Silver Sands State Park on 5/23
1 pair at Long Beach on 5/23
1 pair, 1 adult at Waterford Beach on 5/23
2 pairs at Sandy/Morse Points on 5/23
1 pair, 1 nest at Quinnipeag Rocks on 5/23
2 pairs, 1 nest at Fish Islands on 5/24
1 pair, 1 nest at Compo Beach on 5/24
1 pair, 1 nest at Crab Island on 5/24
2 pairs, 1 adult at Sandy/Morse Points on 5/24
1 pair at Pleasure Beach on 5/24
2 pairs, 1 nest at Sandy/Morse Points on 5/24
2 pairs, 1 nest at Bluff Point on 5/25
1 pair, 1 nest at Compo Beach on 5/25
14 pairs, 8 nests at Cockenoe Island on 5/25
2 pairs, 2 nests at Milford Point on 5/25
2 pairs, 1 adult, 1 nest at Bluff Point on 5/26
1 adult at Chaffinch Island on 5/26
2 pairs, 1 adult at Hammonasset on 5/26
1 pair at Bluff Point on 5/26
Least Tern
12 adults at Long Beach on 5/22
2 pairs at Sandy/Morse Points on 5/22
3 adults at Griswold Point on 5/23
1 pair, 1 adult at Sandy/Morse Points on 5/24
2 adults at Sandy/Morse Points on 5/24
3 adults at Griswold Point on 5/24
4 adults at Hammonasset on 5/24
9 adults at Sandy/Morse Points on 5/24
2 adults at Silver Sands State Park on 5/25
11 adults at Bluff Point on 5/25
1 pair, 3 adults at Silver Sands State Park on 5/25
12 adults at Milford Point on 5/25
8 pairs, 8 adults, 1 nest at Bluff Point on 5/26
2 pairs, 12 adults at Hammonasset on 5/26
5 pairs at Bluff Point on 5/26
5 adults at Long Beach on 5/26
Common Tern
4 adults at Long Beach on 5/22
6 adults at Waterford Beach on 5/23
2 adults at Sandy/Morse Points on 5/23
4 adults Sherwood Island State Park on 5/24
3 adults at Sandy/Morse Points on 5/24
1 adult at Bluff Point on 5/25
200 pairs at Cockenoe Island on 5/25
3 adults at Hammonasset on 5/26
15 adults at Chaffinch Island on 5/26
1 adult at Long Beach on 5/26
This concludes update #4 through 5/28/18 as of 4:00 p.m.
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