Shorebird Report for Sunday, September 13, 2026 as part of the Shorebird Conservation and Education Project, located at Irving Nature Park in Saint John, NB.
Conditions:
Start: 12:45PM
Weather: Windy and overcast becoming light showers and then steady rain. 14C. Winds SSW 17, gusts to 29 kmh.
End: 3:15 PM (Rainy conditions, shift ended early)
Beach Engagement & Observations:
Volunteer Beach Educators: Lauren V. (lead), Tawnee, Sarah, Taylor, Brigitte, Karen
Volunteer Counter: Hank Scarth
People Engaged 16
Total People on Beach 16
Dogs Leashed 0
Dogs Unleashed 3
Anglers 0
Birds Observed:
Semipalmated Plover 6
Least Sandpiper 134
Semipalmated Sandpiper 720
Dunlin 3
Peeps (sp) 15
American Herring Gull 6
Double-crested Cormorant 1
Merlin 1
American Crow 2
Savannah Sparrow 2
Disturbances:
A Merlin made an attack which greatly fragmented the main flock with at least some seen heading toward the marsh.
An American Herring Gull (“Herman”) made one, unsuccessful, attack.
Other Notes/Observations:
The numbers of beach walkers appear to have declined from recent years, even on nice days. As well, we have had many weekend shifts that have been very early or late plus some windy and rainy days. The season’s weekend numbers, at least, will surely be below average. The volunteers have remained upbeat and dedicated.
The Shorebird Conservation and Education Project is supported by our funders at the NB Wildlife Trust Fund, the NB Environmental Trust Fund.