Shorebird Conservation and Education Project Report for Sunday, August 23 2026, located at Irving Nature Park in Saint John, NB.
Start Time: 8:00 AM
End Time: 10:15 AM
Leader: Tawnee Dwyer
Counter: Hank Scarth
Beach Educators: Karen Rombaut, Taylor LeBlanc, Bernice Bordage and Brodie Braun
Beach Engagement & Observations:
People Engaged 13
Dogs Leashed 1
Dogs Off-Leash 1
Other Observations Left early due to rain (10:15 AM)
One photographer on the cobbles mid-beach, generally respectful and tried to keep movement to a minimum, but alas remained on the cobbles.
Dog walker put dog on leash when volunteers arrived, but was disinterest in chatting with volunteers.
Birds Observed (Main Beach):
Semipalmated Plover 16
Least Sandpiper 525 Widely dispersed over middle 3/5 of the beach
Semipalmated Sandpiper 480 In small flocks and widely dispersed.
American Herring Gull 5
Great Black-backed Gull 1
Double-crested Cormorant 4
Savannah Sparrow 5. Foraging high on the beach at mid-beach
Conditions:
Heavy overcast with light rain becoming heavy, shortening the count by 1 hour. Moderate ESE wind at 17 km/h.
Disturbances:
An apparently successful attack by American Herring Gull (“Herman”). A reliable observer reported an attack by two “hawks”.
The Shorebird Conservation and Education Project is supported by our funders at the NB Wildlife Trust Fund, the NB Environmental Trust Fund.