Shorebird Conservation and Education Project Report for Saturday, August 30 2026, located at Irving Nature Park in Saint John, NB.
Shift Time: 12:45 – 3:15 PM
Leader: Brie Blair
Counter: Hank Scarth
Beach Educators: Vicki C., Tawnee D., Kelly G., Bonnie G., Frankie J.
Beach Engagement & Observations:
People Engaged 72
People On Beach 95
Dogs Leashed 9
Dogs Off-Leash 2
Other Observations:
- 1 dog off leash when volunteers arrived for shift, put dog on leash when signs were put up
- 1 wind-surfer on the beach, caused disturbance to birds but claimed to be mindful and was generally receptive to talking w/ volunteers
- all communications were positive
- couple from Italy
- 1 angler who was a first-timer, had positive interaction with volunteer
Birds Observed (Main Beach):
Semipalmated Plover 33
Least Sandpiper 250
Semipalmated Sandpiper 2850
White-rumped Sandpiper 1
American Herring Gull 4
Double-crested Cormorant 2
American Crow 3
Merlin 1
Osprey 1
Monarch Butterfly 1
Conditions:
Mainly clear. 23C. Brisk SW winds at 19, gusts to 33 km/h
Disturbances:
A successful attack by American Herring Gull (“Herman”). At least one Merlin attack had most birds in the air.
The Shorebird Conservation and Education Project is supported by our funders at the NB Wildlife Trust Fund, the NB Environmental Trust Fund.