Flocks of migratory shorebirds – particularly Sanderlings

and Semipalmated Plovers –

are steadily increasing on the refuge beach, while piping plovers are steadily leaving for the winter. It’s strange to think about the impending winter when it’s almost 90 degrees outside! We had a few more birds fledge this week, bringing our total to 30 plover fledglings from 15 broods and 13 least tern fledglings. There are still at least 14 plover chicks from 6 broods, and there are about a dozen late-nesting least terns.

The area south of Lot 6 is now devoid of nests and chicks, so thanks to Bob, Matt Pf, and John for helping shift the Area Closed signs and open the boardwalks at Lots 6 and 7.