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.