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.