Shorebird Conservation and Education Project Report for Saturday, August 29 2026, located at Irving Nature Park in Saint John, NB.
Shift Time: 12:15-2:45 PM
Leader: Hank Scarth
Counter: Hank Scarth
Beach Educators: Tawnee D., Nancy H., Taylor L., Bev E.
Beach Engagement & Observations:
People Engaged 78
People On Beach 100
Dogs Leashed 17
Dogs Off-Leash 5
Other Observations:
- 8 anglers present
- 2 nature groups present – Ducks Unlimited Canada, and The Nature Council of New Brunswick. Expressed interest in partnering with Nature Saint John in the future.
Birds Observed (Main Beach):
Counts:
Semipalmated Plover 120
Least Sandpiper 200
Semipalmated Sandpiper 3200
Kildeer 1
Dunlin (N. Hamilton rpt) 3
American Herring Gull 10
Double-crested Cormorant 2
American Crow 3
Osprey 1
Bald Eagle 1
Merlin 1
Peregrine Falcon 1
Monarch Butterfly 1
Conditions:
Clear. 21C. Winds NW14-18, gusts to 30.km/h
Disturbances:
A Merlin and a Peregrine Falcon made a few attacks early during the count when peep numbers were high. Four American Herring Gulls momentarily harassed roosting birds.
Observations:
At about mid-count, some 90% of the birds departed toward the east. Perhaps repeated predator and human disturbances caused them to relocate.
The Shorebird Conservation and Education Project is supported by our funders at the NB Wildlife Trust Fund, the NB Environmental Trust Fund.