Today marked the first day of volunteer education activity. Today’s volunteers were Rebecca Rolo, Mark Biddulph, Tawnee Dwyer, Graeme Kilpatrick, Shantel McCracken and Nancy Hamiliton. Hank Scarth was the lead volunteer.
The volunteers, wearing new blue vests and the 2025 Shorebird Conservation ball hats, engaged with 49 beach visitors among the 56 people observed. This number does not include the 26 “Talk and Walk” participants led by Counter/Educator Paul Martin.
Among those learning about the shorebirds and their conservation needs while on the beach were families from Colombia and Germany. Volunteers noted that all encounters positive and rewarding.
Photo: Nancy Hamilton
Only seven dogs were recorded with five being on-leash.
Although over 5,000 “peeps” and other shorebirds were recorded on the feeding flats on Friday, only a few used the beach for roosting today. There were 145 Least Sandpipers, 14 Semipalmated Sandpipers and, surprisingly, no Semipalmated Plovers observed. Two White-rumped Sandpipers were noted as were two Baird’s Sandpipers. View full eBird Report here.
Photo: Hank Scarth
Given the small number of birds present, it is unsurprising that no attacks by Peregrine Falcons, Merlins or other raptors were noted.
Photo: Hank Scarth
Shift time: 11:30-14:00. Temperature 21-22C. Winds SW 27kph. Mainly sunny.
Hank Scarth, Lead Volunteer