8/19. Thirty five birders participated in the annual COA Shorebird Workshop in Milford and Stratford. Following an illustrated lecture on shorebird identification by Frank Gallo and Patrick Comins at CT Audubon’s Coastal Center, the group walked the beachside sandbar. Common species were well studied, including Black-bellied and Semipalmated Plovers, and Least and Semipalmated Sandpipers. The biggest surprise was a calling Solitary Sandpiper that briefly landed on the sandbar; this a species very uncommon along the sandy beach. Other species seen included Peregrine Falcon and point-blank views of a trio of juvenile Yellow-crowned Night-Herons.
Later the group drove to Stratford Point, on the other side of the Housatonic River mouth. While shorebirds were few, three additional shorebird species were seen, including a trio of flyby Red Knots. In addition, all were treated to a mini-course on Swallow identification, with four species lined up along the utility wires. And the butterfly variety and numbers were fabulous.
In summary, fifty bird species including eleven of shorebirds were identified this morning. Other highlights included 4 summering Brant, 63 American Oystercatchers, a Northern Harrier, and 60 Common Terns.
Frank Mantlik
COA Vice President