RTPI is proud to be a new partner in the Audubon Alliance for Coastal Waterbirds‘ (AAfCW) third season, an active conservation, education and outreach project that provides stewardship and survey efforts by volunteers and staff working to help federal and state officials in an innovative joint initiative on Connecticut’s beaches, islands, and other coastal areas to monitor waterbirds like the Piping Plover, American Oystercatcher, Least Tern and many more. RTPI’s President & Executive Director Twan Leenders and I (Conservation & Outreach Coordinator Scott Kruitbosch) were a part of AAfCW’s creation during their time in Connecticut working for Connecticut Audubon Society and are thrilled to be back on board thanks to Audubon Connecticut.
Piping Plover (Charadrius melodus) with chick. The Piping Plover is a federally “threatened” species.
Specifically I will be resuming my role as AAfCW Volunteer Coordinator for a third year, managing the day to day operations of our volunteers and working with AAfCW full-time and seasonal staff as well as federal, state and local officials both remotely while at our Jamestown, New York headquarters and on the ground in Connecticut to help oversee another successful season. Volunteers and field staff visit over a dozen sites across Connecticut on a daily basis from April 1 through August 31 or beyond and survey for specific waterbird species, help to erect string fencing and signage around nesting areas, talk to beachgoers about the importance of this avian conservation, report disturbances or other critical information and submit their data and information to us, among other tasks.
Common Tern (Sterna hirundo)
We need all the volunteers we can get to assist in Connecticut shorebird monitoring this spring and summer! After last season’s accomplishments with over 100 volunteers assisting us we would love to further build our ranks. Please see this post in the AAfCW blog to read a U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service news release that provides the details of what volunteers can expect if they choose to participate, training information and directions on signing up with USFWS. If you are not in Connecticut or a nearby state like New York or Rhode Island or unable to help please spread the word to anyone you know who may be interested.
American Oystercatcher (Haematopus palliatus)
There will be much more to come on AAfCW soon! We have a busy six months ahead of us and we would love to have you helping us as a volunteer monitor. In the mean time please review the AAfCW blog for information on previous seasons and check out the AAfCW Facebook page here. Please contact us at ctwaterbirds ‘AT’ gmail.com or me at skruitbosch ‘AT’ rtpi.org with any questions or for additional information.
Scott Kruitbosch
Conservation & Outreach Coordinator
Photos © Twan Leenders
