Twenty-one species of shorebirds were observed out of a total of 8,100 total
shorebird tallied during our weekly survey. The bulk of these (nearly 5,000)
were sanderlings along Wild Beach (accessible on foot) and the Hook. Eighteen
species of shorebirds were observed in F-Pool (sometimes called Swan's Cove
Pool on maps) which is accessible from Beach Road or the Wildlife Loop.
Highlights include 2 Wilson's phalaropes, 1 pectoral sandpiper, 5 stilt
sandpipers, a few western sandpipers, and 1 white-rumped sandpiper. Red knots
(19) were seen on the beaches. There are still considerable numbers of
semi-palmated sandpipers and semi-palmated plovers migrating through, but
migrant lesser and greater yellowlegs have tapered off.
Terns were well-represented as well: Over 250 black skimmers, a couple of black
terns, 10 sandwich terns, 7 Caspian terns, as well as the expected common,
Forester's, least and royals. 45 lesser black-backed gulls on Wild Beach
Numbers and distribution of shorebirds may have been affected by the
impoundments - mostly dry during this survey due to lack of rain. That should
change after the hurricane.
The Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge is closed for Hurricane Irene
beginning 10pm on Aug 25, and a re-opening date has not yet been announced.
