2019 Field Training Completed

A huge thank you to everyone who came out to join the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection and the Audubon Alliance for Coastal Waterbirds for new volunteer monitor field training today at the Connecticut Audubon Society Coastal Center in Milford. The rain stopped right on time for us giving way to a foggy but clearing and warm morning. After meeting and going over some basics we walked out to the beach to find several pairs of Piping Plovers along with a few pairs of American Oystercatchers.

Later in the day we located the first Piping Plover nest of 2019! Our season is getting underway now, and if you are a volunteer monitor, please send in your desired monitoring schedule if you have not already. They will be finalized over the next week. Please also submit any and all data and information once you begin your monitoring.

We hope to see you at string fencing over the next week, too!

• Long Beach, Stratford – Sunday, April 14th, 10:00am, rain date April 15th.
• Sandy/Morse Points, West Haven - Wednesday, April 17th, 1:00pm, rain date April 19th.
• Bluff Point State Park, Groton - Tuesday, April 23rd, 10:00am, rain date April 24th.

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