[Maine-birds] Piping Plovers with pink flags

Maine birders,

As of a week ago, Piping Plovers had already hit New York beaches so I expect we will see some any day (if some of you haven't already seen them?)

As you bird the Maine coast, I ask that you keep your eyes out for banded birds to help international conservation efforts. This winter, colleagues elsewhere have attached field-readable pink flags on upper legs so keen eyes like yours can help track individuals. 

This article gives background on the work and also has a nice photo of a pink-flagged bird:

http://www.pbs.org/newshour/rundown/photots-scientists-winter-bahamas-study-endangered-migratory-bird/

Very few Piping Plovers are banded, but those that are can provide a wealth of information.

So please keep your eyes open, have fun, and stay warm! 

---------- Forwarded message ----------
From: Golder, Walker <WGOLDER@audubon.org>
Date: Fri, Mar 20, 2015 at 12:02 PM
Subject: Piping Plovers with pink flags

Good morning,

 

This winter the National Audubon Society teamed up with Bahamas National Trust and the Virginia Tech Shorebird Program, assisted by many other partners, to band Piping Plovers in The Bahamas.  The plovers were banded with pink flags that are engraved with a two-character code. The flags are on the upper legs only, the opposite upper leg has a standard USFWS metal band, and no bands were placed on the lower legs. We are asking for your help finding these plovers.

 

If you see one of these piping plovers, please let us know. We've created a unique email address for reporting the bands: BahamasPIPL@audubon.org

 

We would like the following information:

·         date the bird was observed,

·         band code,

·         specific location where the bird was observed  

·         latitude and longitude,

·         any additional note-worthy information, and

·         a photo would be wonderful.

 

We are so very grateful to the partners that assisted with the project: National Audubon Society, Bahamas National Trust, Virginia Tech Shorebird Program, Conserve Wildlife Foundation of New Jersey, US Fish and Wildlife Service, and Environment Canada; as well as the many individuals who assisted along the way.  A special thanks to Dan Catlin who worked tirelessly during the entire banding trip to capture and band the plovers.

 

Thank you for your time and please don't hesitate to contact me if you have questions.

 

Very best wishes for migration and the upcoming breeding season.

 

 

Walker Golder

 

 

Walker Golder Deputy State Director & Director of NC Coast and Marshes Program Audubon North Carolina 7741 Market Street, Unit D Wilmington,  NC  28411-9444 910.686-7527(Phone) 910.686.7587 (fax)

Support our Bird-Friendly Communities to help birds in cities and towns!

 

-- 

Laura Minich ZitskeII Maine Audubon

Wildlife Ecologist, Director Piping Plover and Least Tern Project

_______________________________

20 Gilsland Farm Road, Falmouth, ME  04105

tel (207) 781-2330 x226

web maineaudubon.org

 

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