Here is more great RTPI news from the shores of Connecticut via the Audubon Alliance for Coastal Waterbirds, a partnership between Audubon Connecticut, Connecticut Audubon Society, and the Roger Tory Peterson Institute of Natural History. Preliminary estimates of nesting success for our Piping Plovers and American Oystercatchers indicate we had another historic year. At the moment we believe 66 pairs of Piping Plovers fledged 100 chicks, with the pair total being the most all-time for Connecticut and the chicks the fourth highest total ever. Widespread nest washouts and predators certainly had an impact on the fledge count, but being able to successfully host that many pairs is a tremendous accomplishment and speaks to superb stewardship efforts by our staff and volunteers.
American Oystercatchers did very well once again this season with 63 pairs fledging 63 chicks. Connecticut also had 63 pairs last year, and we have now tied that all-time high. The chick total is second all-time to the 2015 count of 64. Your participation in AAfCW helps them on our beaches as well as offshore islands that are not regularly monitored by volunteers because you allow our staff more time to concentrate on ensuring their success in these remote areas.
Once again, these are the preliminary numbers, and later in the season the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection will verify the totals and provide counts for other species such as the Least Tern. Thank you all so much for your incredible work this year whether you volunteered as a monitored, helped us with fencing or signage, or made a donation to our program!
RTPI Conservation & Outreach Coordinator
AAfCW Volunteer Coordinator
