Thompson 1

Terns in Trouble and Plovers in Peril: The

Need for Change in Connecticuts Bird
Populations

By Peter Thompson
G Block
Ms. Kirkpatrick
February 26th, 2016

Thompson 2
Table of Contents

Scope of the Problem.3

Mission Statement......5
Goals and Objectives.....5
Evaluating Resources....6
Implementing the Plan..8
Goal #18
Goal #2...10
Gaining Support...11
General Public...11
Bird Conservationists and Enthusiasts13
Businesspeople and Developers............14
Conclusion........14
Works Cited......16
Annotated Bibliography..17
Appendices20
Appendix A: Interview Questions.20
Appendix B: Survey Results.22
Letter to the Reader.24
Abstract
Across the state of Connecticut birds are enduring a sharp decrease in population due
entirely to human intrusion in their environment. From simple habitat loss to distraction of birds
from their nests, the negative effect humans have on these species is alarming. The population
decline of the Piping Plover, Grasshopper Sparrow, Upland Sandpiper and Least Tern reveals an
urgent need to create and preserve more suitable grassland habitat while also keeping humans
and their pets off the beaches where shorebirds nest. These measures for bird conservation will
ideally increase the populations of the aforementioned species by roughly 15% over a ten-year
time period.

Thompson 3

Scope of the Problem

During the warm summer months thousands of people flock to beaches on the inviting
shores of the Long Island Sound. Little do they know they are causing birds to die simply by
intruding in their rightful habitat. They bring their dogs and children, crowding the sandy dunes
that wild birds call home. Accompanying the people on the beach is a family of Piping Plovers,
currently considered threatened in the state of Connecticut. No larger than six inches, these birds
are heavily vulnerable to the flattening of their nests by humans. Human activity on the vital
habitat of this scarce species affects [nesting] productivity by keeping birds off nests, thus
preventing them from attending eggs and young (Piping). Similarly, the Least Tern, which
inhabits the same beaches that the plovers do, have to ward off threatening people with aerial
attacks, averting them from their nests. This is the problem with a variety of other species,
including the whopping 49 birds that have been classified by the state Department of Energy and
Environmental Protection as Endangered, Threatened or Special Concern in our state (DEEP).
Many species, primarily the inhabitants of grassland and coastal habitats, need immediate
attention from the state of Connecticut or else their populations will be vanquished entirely. It is
our responsibility to create new habitat for these species to live, so the beauty of nature can
remain in our state as it has for centuries.
Connecticuts grassland habitat is becoming less and less abundant every day due to the
advent of business and industry in the Connecticut River Valley, decreasing the opportunity for
beautiful and unique species to proliferate in central Connecticut. In colonial times, up to 20% of
our state was made up of grassland; now this number has greatly diminished (Grasslands).
Among the residents of the grassland habitat in New England are the Upland Sandpiper and the
Grasshopper Sparrow. These two species are losing their habitat at an uncontrollable rate, as

Thompson 4
many grasslands have been lost to development or without management, have grown back into
forests (Grasslands). Projects such as the Rentschler Outlet expansion in East Hartford have
left these birds arriving at their breeding grounds to see that the endless fields where they call
home have been decimated. These majestic species rely on the tall grasses for the shelter of their
young, and upon return from their wintering grounds in early May, arrive to see that what was
once a fertile grassland habitat is no longer suitable for breeding. The disrespectful destruction of
the disappearing grassland habitat is devastating the diversity of Connecticuts biosphere.
Grassland is of very high concern in our state, provoking the need to actively preserve the
remaining habitat left, as well as ideally producing new grassland that will increase the nesting
populations of these rare species.
Sandy coastline habitats need to have heavy restriction from human activity so
endangered species can effectively survive without fears of human intervention. Due to the large
measures of preservation for these species that the state has already put into place, Piping Plovers
and Least Terns have seen their populations become safer in recent years. In fact, recent
protection measures in the Northeast, which include the fencing and posting of colonies, may
have stabilized the population of the Least Tern in Connecticut (Least). However, even the
preserved beach habitats are still inhabited by people. Milford Point, a conservation success story
owned by Connecticut Audubon, is still susceptible to disturbance to birds or habitat by
recreational beach-goers (Milford). The extinction of these species will also cause
dysfunction in environmental stability, leading to unhealthy changes in the populations of every
part of the coastline ecosystem. Unlike the grassland habitat that is being constantly destroyed,
sandy dunes and coastlines are readily available to be completely protected by the state or the
Connecticut Audubon Society.

Thompson 5
Mission Statement
The diversity of birds in the state of Connecticut is at a disturbing demise, as the human
destruction of habitat is destroying the beauty and uniqueness that is Connecticuts birdlife. If
people continue to disrupt the nesting process of these endangered species, they will be extinct in
our state, much like extinct species of yesterday. Through additional funding from the state and
the Connecticut Audubon Society, sandy coastline will be preserved and isolated from human
disturbance, and grassland habitat will remain natural by compensating people to preserve these
areas. The preservation of these habitats will have a profound and lasting impact that will
undoubtedly increase the nesting populations of Piping Plover, Upland Sandpiper, Grasshopper
Sparrow and Least Tern.
Goals and Objectives

Compensate landowners to maintain and preserve 500 acres of Connecticut River valley
grassland in total before 2026.
o

Increase the number of breeding locations for Upland Sandpiper by 15% (from 1)
by preserving more grassland habitat.

Increase the number of breeding locations for Upland Sandpiper by 15% (from 5)
by preserving more grassland habitat.

Fund money from CT Audubon to aid in the compensation by lowering expenses

on education.

Close off 250 acres of sandy beaches on Connecticuts coastline from public entry
by having CT Audubon claim them before 2026.

Increase the number of Piping Plover chicks per year by 15% (from 117) by
providing them with uninterrupted nesting time and habitat.

Thompson 6
o

Increase the number of Least Tern chicks per year by 15% (from 1) by providing
them with uninterrupted nesting time and habitat.

Require Audubon membership for entrance to these purchased beaches

Require a fee of $35 for use of these beaches to deter people from visiting.

Evaluating Resources
Currently a startlingly low amount of grassland is available in Connecticut, provoking the
need for more to be preserved. Although Connecticut is primarily a woodland state, the
Connecticut River Valley was once a grassland haven for wildlife, until the arrival of colonists
and their agricultural techniques. Today, grassland species struggle to find proper nesting
grounds in New England as a whole, and the Connecticut populations of these species have
suffered. However, places like Northwest Park in Windsor have reserved 473 acres of grassland
and forest habitat for birds to prosper (Northwest). Northwest Park is one example of
grassland conservation, and there are not many. A recent example of grasslands receiving
intense developmental pressure (McCarthy) for construction of unnecessary buildings is the
expansion of UConns Rentschler Field, which has disintegrated acres of land that were vital to
some of the last breeding Upland Sandpipers in Connecticut. The lack of satisfactory grassland in
the Connecticut River Valley precedes an urgent necessity for Audubon funding.
Contrarily, sandy coastlines are very common near the Long Island Sound in Connecticut,
but many of them are unsuitable for birds because of human intrusion. Nearly the entire
Connecticut coast is strewn with beachgoers during the summer months, and with all this sandy
coastline available for bird nesting, Breeding Bird Atlas data indicates that only thirteen blocks
(out of roughly 50 coastal blocks) have reported nesting Piping Plovers (Bevier). This can be
improved by decreasing human access to beaches. Right now, if it were not for human

Thompson 7
intervention in these areas, Piping Plovers and Least Terns could be superabundant on
Connecticuts beaches, because of the sheer amount of habitat available. The current resources
available in Connecticuts coastline are more than enough for these species to prosper.
The main problem with the habitat resources available on Connecticuts coast is the
presence of people on these areas, which needs to be limited by the Connecticut Audubon
Society. Audubon can purchase coastal habitat and implement heavy restrictions that will
increase nesting success. In 2014, CT Audubon made $2,868,552 in revenue and had $3,467,379
in expenses (Annual). Expenses can be lowered by spending less on educational programs that
do not make very much in revenues, or revenues can be increased by charging more for these
events and holding more fundraising activities. Also, requiring Audubon membership and
charging a fee for the entrance to these beaches will increase the revenues that Audubon collects.
The Connecticut Audubon Society has large amounts of money per year that can be used to help
conserve sandy coastline habitats in order to increase the nesting success of Piping Plovers and
Least Terns.
Audubon money can also be used to rent land in the Connecticut River Valley where
grassland birds could thrive, effectively preserving and maintaining the land for the future. As
stated earlier, much can be done to increase the amount of spending money that CT Audubon
has. Decreasing expenses and increasing revenues can amount to large amounts of money that
can be used to encourage people to preserve and maintain grassland area. Even simply more
fundraising near Audubons headquarters in Fairfield could bring in money that could change the
outlook for the nesting of the Upland Sandpiper and Grasshopper Sparrow. Monetarily, the
resources that the Connecticut Audubon Society has in their possession are an indicator that

Thompson 8
much can be done regarding the conservation of threatened and endangered bird species in
Connecticut.
Implementing the Plan
Goal #1: Compensate landowners to maintain and preserve 500 acres of Connecticut River
valley grassland in total.
For people to be encouraged to create grassland habitat for bird nesting, money must be
paid to those who properly preserve these areas. Much of the Connecticut River Valley is used as
farmland due to its flat and fertile grounds. Formerly a haven for Upland Sandpipers and
Grasshopper Sparrows, the area has become a center for farming and business. Many people who
farm in this area are doing so to make food for themselves or produce goods that are sold
worldwide (such as tobacco). Contrarily, other farmland is abandoned and left as useless dirt
fields. Either way, the owners of these areas can be compensated a small sum per month for
ensuring the safety of grassland habitat and the wildlife that accompanies it. Access to these
areas will be limited to those conducting field surveys on these areas, in order to gauge the
success of the initiative over time. These surveys will be conducted in mid-June and will collect
data on the number of breeding pairs of sandpipers and sparrows in each location. The
preservation of grassland in Connecticut will protect the beauty, charm and attributes that make
Connecticut such a special place (McCarthy), which is a vital part to the healthiness of
Connecticuts environment as a whole.
With Connecticut Audubon as the primary benefactor to the preservation of grassland in
Connecticut, money would be funded to preserve the wonderful wildlife diversity in our state. If
a person makes this agreement with CT Audubon, they will be reimbursed $500 per month for
every 25 acres of land that is purchased. The land is expected to be up to 300 acres in total area,

Thompson 9
so every person who takes advantage of this opportunity will earn a considerable amount of
money for saving endangered bird species. Thus, if 500 acres of land are paid for by the
Audubon society, $120,000 will be paid per year by CT Audubon. This is only a minute dent in
the Audubon Societys expenses, as roughly $2 million is spent on education programs according
to their 2014 Annual Report (Annual). If the amount spent on education is minimized by only
5% ($100,000), then the amount paid out to those owning land in the Connecticut River Valley
will be nearly completely covered. Slight adjustments to the Connecticut Audubon Societys
financial structure can lead to major leaps in bird conservation simply by paying farmers not to
farm.
Goal #2: Close off 250 acres of sandy beaches on Connecticuts coastline from public entry by
having CT Audubon claim them.
Piping Plovers and Least Terns need restriction from human interaction that can only be
attained by having CT Audubon restrict entrance to specific beaches. All across Connecticut
people spend their summers visiting beaches that hold host to breeding seabirds due to their
optimal habitats. However, many beaches go unvisited and these beaches need to be frequented
more while the beaches that provide excellent bird habitat are claimed by the Audubon Society.
These beaches will most likely be bought from state or town associations that require Audubon
ownership of the beach fully. Although this will cost money to buy the beach, the relative
solitude for the nesting of coastal birds will leave Piping Plovers and Least Terns at ease,
allowing them to successfully procreate their Connecticut populations.
These beaches will ultimately pay for themselves by requiring a $35 and Audubon
membership to all prospective visitors. Besides those who are conducting official breeding bird
surveys to gauge the success of the conservation initiatives, everybody who wants to visit this

Thompson 10
beach is required to show a proof of Audubon membership and pay a large fee. This allows
access to those who not only are passionate about birds but are aware of the ethical risks of
coming too close to them. Unaware people who would stress these birds would be prohibited
from entry. Audubon membership, which also costs money, would incorporate educational
information on these birds in email messages to members. A large fee for entry would also deter
those who were simply interested in a day at the beach. The establishment of a small nature store
at some of the beaches would also bring in revenue. Existing stores have added $170,865 to the
societys net income (Annual). This can be used to further the coverage of the spending on
buying the beaches initially. Breeding bird surveys will also be conducted to determine the
success of this plan for plovers and terns on the coastline. Overall, the beaches that formerly
housed hundreds of people will now be home to plovers and terns, foreshadowing a heavy
increase in the breeding population of each of them in Connecticut.
Gaining Support
1. General Public
There is heavy support from the public about preserving grassland and preventing
endangered species from habitat destruction. When asked to describe their care for bird
conservation, 62.5% of math and science teachers at Coventry High School agreed or strongly
agreed that bird conservation was important to them (Thompson). This expresses the support that
increased measures to save birds in Connecticut would accumulate, along with their views on
environmental conservation as a whole. The same teachers were asked how they would feel if
they came home to see that their house had been destroyed. Grassland birds constantly
experience this uneasy feeling when they arrive at their breeding grounds to see buildings and
tobacco fields. Responses were all in the same vein, as teachers noted this is the stability of life

Thompson 11
and is a requirement to survive (Thompson). When people equate situations that birds in
Connecticut are currently undergoing to their lives, they realize the need for change in
Connecticuts environment.
There would also be major public support for coastline restriction, as people are in favor
of keeping Least Terns and Piping Plovers alive and well. When asked if they would favor extra
measures for bird conservation in the state, all the teachers who took the survey answered 4 out
of 5 or higher (Thompson), supporting the abundant amounts of concern for wildlife in
Connecticut. After all, it is a beautiful and emotionally restorative part of everybodys lives in
Connecticut; when shown a picture of the Least Tern in its natural habitat, 75% of surveyed
teachers strongly agreed that this species should be saved from extinction in Connecticut
(Thompson). The disruption of this delicate environment would be a travesty to the people in
Connecticut due to their clear interest and elevated concern for Connecticuts endangered bird
species.
Beachgoers who may lose a favored location to visit should not be distressed about this
change, as there are seemingly infinite beach locations to visit on the Long Island Sound. Many
of these beaches do not house plovers and terns but receive no attention from people. These
beaches can be frequented by those in search of a wonderful day in the sun, as they forget the
locations that they once visited. Also, being dive-bombed by Least Terns upon approaching their
nests would deter them from a specific location, as people keep terns off their nests to the point
where the eggs get cold and they die (Van der Aue). Beach owners would also be paid for
selling their beaches, which favors them. If people are given a choice between a beach that is
harming birds constantly and a vast, open beach that they have never visited, the latter is the
obvious choice. And since this plan is very likely to succeed due to the strong causal

Thompson 12
relationships between humans and bird populations, Connecticuts citizens have no reason not to
support a plan that will definitely increase the populations of these birds.
2. Bird Enthusiasts and Conservationists
The conservation of unused grassland for bird nesting is highly supported by experts as
well, as bird enthusiasts are wary to losing the populations of these birds. Currently the
Connecticut Ornithological Association (COA) is in the process of buying out tobacco fields for
grassland nesters, which could be very promising. This would also mitigate the production of a
carcinogenic drug and replace it with beautiful birds. Kathy Van der Aue, the President of the
COA, asserts, we need to develop more areas of grassland; our grasslands have disappeared
(Van der Aue). There is an urgent requirement for the discovery of more land now and the
implementation of this plan is being supported by environmental organizations here in the state.
Those who are interested in birds possess true appreciation of their beauty and variability, which
is why their support is so important to this effective plan.
The closing of specific beaches for the enhanced nesting of bird species would clearly
earn support from bird conservationists and enthusiasts, who are very worried about human
impact on tern and plover nesting. Experts such as Van der Aue have heavy concern with the
obviously detrimental effect people have on bird nesting. One glaring example is the Fourth of
July festivities on Milfords beaches, when fireworks and midnight beachgoers alarm the
sleeping Least Terns, who leave at midnight and cant find their nest again (Van der Aue). Van
der Aue also accentuates how difficult it is to educate people on the problems going on, leading
to their neglect of bird species. There is strong support for the isolation of birds from the general
public from the leaders of Connecticuts bird conservation organizations, as it is much easier than
preventing people from accidentally provoking them.

Thompson 13
Businesspeople and Developers
Those who are in the business of ruthlessly destroying grassland to expand the economy
are blissfully unaware of the destructive effect it has on birds, furthering the need for an increase
in awareness on this subject. Those who plan to construct buildings where grassland species used
to nest only view this enterprise as an economical advantage to the people. For example, the
developers behind the Rentschler Outlet expansion project assert, Rarely do we have an
opportunity to build something that is going to be as transformational as this will be (Otero). Of
course, they are ignorant about how transformational it will be to the birds that are now losing
their habitat and dying, failing to meet their evolutionary goal. Because of the frequency of these
developments in the Connecticut River Valley, people are simply killing birds for selfish reasons,
heavily underachieving in their moral obligation to sustain ones environment for humans and
wildlife alike. When they are awakened to the alarming rate at which they are destroying the
environment for grassland birds, they will certainly support 500 acres of new grassland area in
the Connecticut River Valley.
Conclusion
Birds in Connecticut are dying every day due to the technological advances and
population growth of Connecticuts people. As part of Connecticut and its environment, it is our
responsibility to protect the other species from death and extinction before it is too late. This
brings the urgent need for heavy efforts in land preservation so these birds can have a stress-free
place to rear chicks and successfully expand their Connecticut populations. Whereas Least Terns
only hatched one successful chick from 216 nests at Milford Point in 2015 (Van der Aue),
Upland Sandpipers simply have no suitable nesting habitat, with the only such location being at
Bradley International Airport. There is a clear need to prevent the helpless death of these

Thompson 14
beautiful and diverse bird species to ensure that Connecticuts environment stays as beautiful as
we should be making it. With the success of this plan our state will be a haven for people and
birds alike, giving success and vitality to all species involved in this complex environment that
we call home.

Thompson 15
Works Cited
"2014 Annual Report." Connecticut Audubon Society. N.p., 30 Apr. 2014. Web. 24 Jan. 2016.
Bevier, Louis R. The Atlas of Breeding Birds of Connecticut. State Geological and Natural
History Survey of Connecticut. 1994. Web. 24 Jan 2016.
"Grasslands." Connecticut Habitats. University of Connecticut, n.d. Web. 24 Jan. 2016.
"Least Tern." CT Department of Energy and Environmental Protection. N.p., 2015. Web. 23 Jan.
2016.
McCarthy, Gina. "Grassland Habitat Conservation Initiative." Connecticut Department of Energy
and Environmental Protection. N.p., 17 Oct. 2006. Web. 24 Jan. 2016.
"Milford Point." Connecticut Audubon Society. N.p., n.d. Web. 23 Jan. 2016.
"Northwest Park." Connecticut Audubon Society. N.p., n.d. Web. 23 Jan. 2016.
Otero, Jordan. "Rentschler Field Outlet Center Plan Approved In East Hartford." Hartford
Courant. N.p., 23 Sept. 2015. Web. 22 Feb. 2016.
"Piping Plover." CT Department of Energy and Environmental Protection. N.p., 2015. Web. 23
Jan. 2016.
Thompson, Peter R. State of Birds in Connecticut Survey. N.d. Raw data. CT, Coventry.
Van der Aue, Kathy and Thompson, Peter. Interview, Bird Conservation in Connecticut, 14 Feb
2016. CT, Coventry.

Thompson 16
Annotated Bibliography
2014 Annual Report." Connecticut Audubon Society. N.p., 30 Apr. 2014. Web. 24 Jan. 2016.
The Connecticut Audubon Society would be an important donor to this plan as a
considerable sum of money is required to close off beaches and grasslands. The annual report for
CT Audubon displays their monetary status and what can be done to increase revenue. It reveals
that currently over $2 million is used on educational programs, which is far too large. The heavy
amounts of quantitative data provide an up-to-date picture of financial resources available,
making this source a plausible option for the Evaluating Resources and Implementing the Plan
sections of the proposal.
Bevier, Louis R. The Atlas of Breeding Birds of Connecticut. State Geological and Natural
History Survey of Connecticut. 1994. Web. 24 Jan 2016.
The Breeding Bird Atlas is a nationwide survey that tracks the nesting populations of
various bird species in the summer months. Data for Connecticut can be accessed here, providing
an excellent source for quantitative statistics on population trends for the endangered species of
Connecticut. Bevier has provided that Upland Sandpipers can only be found in 5 blocks of area
out of the nearly 600 that are surveyed (Bevier), and none of the other species are much higher.
This can be used for the Evaluating Resources section of the proposal as it provides examples as
to how many individual species are in Connecticut today.
"Grasslands." Connecticut Habitats. University of Connecticut, n.d. Web. 24 Jan. 2016.
The University of Connecticut has conducted heavy amounts of research on
Connecticuts various habitats, enough to dedicate an entire website to this section of local
ecology. Their article on grasslands in Connecticut provides startling statistics regarding the
decline in grassland availability, listing reasons such as human development (Grasslands) that
provide useful qualitative data for the Scope of the Problem section of the proposal.
"Least Tern." CT Department of Energy and Environmental Protection. N.p., 2015. Web. 23 Jan.
2016.
The State of Connecticuts Department of Environmental Protection (DEEP) has
provided fact sheets for every bird species that is listed as Endangered or Threatened in the state
of Connecticut. The Least Tern falls in this category, and reasons for its decline as well as its
habitat, physical characteristics and outlook for the future are all included. Reasons for the
decline of this species in Connecticut, such as human activity on their nesting grounds (Least)
are direct support of closing off beaches from human activity, making this source a strong asset
for the Scope of the Problem section of the proposal.

Thompson 17

McCarthy, Gina. "Grassland Habitat Conservation Initiative." Connecticut Department of Energy

and Environmental Protection. N.p., 17 Oct. 2006. Web. 24 Jan. 2016.
The Grassland Habitat Conservation Initiative is a plan put in place in the state of
Connecticut that has similar intentions in increasing the amount of land required for nesting
grassland birds. It displays qualitative data on the reasons grassland habitat should be preserved,
including its ability to protect the beauty, charm and attributes that make Connecticut such a
special place (McCarthy). This source could be used effectively in a variety of sections due to
its large spectrum of evidence, from the Scope of the Problem to Evaluating Resources.
"Milford Point." Connecticut Audubon Society. N.p., n.d. Web. 23 Jan. 2016.
The Connecticut Audubon Society has a center in Milford Point, a location on
Connecticuts coastline that has set aside land for nesting plovers and terns. Although it is not
completely closed off from humans, Milford Point provides an example of what is required for
shorebird nesting. It recognized Piping Plover and Least Tern as breeding species (Milford)
and lists Milford Point as an Important Bird Area due to their presence there. This can be used
for the Evaluating Resources section of the proposal as it displays conservation measures already
in place.
"Northwest Park." Connecticut Audubon Society. N.p., n.d. Web. 23 Jan. 2016.
Similar to the CT Audubon entry on Milford Point, Northwest Park is an example of a
successful conservation effort through preservation and maintenance of a variety of habitats.
However, unlike Milford Point, Northwest Park in Windsor is an example of the Connecticut
River grassland habitat that needs to be preserved. This is a very reliable and valid source as it is
from the Connecticut Audubon Societys website and it has qualitative data on what species can
be found there as well as quantitative data on how much land has been set aside for the nesting
success of these bird species. This can be used for Evaluating Resources as well due to its
reference of the amount of land that has been set aside for grassland birds.
Otero, Jordan. "Rentschler Field Outlet Center Plan Approved In East Hartford." Hartford
Courant. N.p., 23 Sept. 2015. Web. 22 Feb. 2016.
The Hartford Courant, one of Connecticuts most well-known newspapers, published an
article on the Rentschler Outlet in East Hartford, CT. This outlet mall is currently in construction
and will erase an important breeding ground for Upland Sandpipers and Grasshopper Sparrows.
It references this plan as an important step in the right direction for Connecticuts economy
(Otero), neglecting the effect it will have on the environment like many people do. This article
reflects the point of view of the people interested in expanding business, providing clear

Thompson 18
qualitative data on the need for these issues to be brought to attention. The Gaining Support
section will use data from this source because of this.
"Piping Plover." CT Department of Energy and Environmental Protection. N.p., 2015. Web. 23
Jan. 2016.
Much like the fact sheet on the Least Tern, the DEEP produced a sheet on the Piping
Plover, listing similar reasons for its decline. However, the Piping Plover blends in to its sandy
habitat more easily, making them a threat to be simply stepped on without people even noticing
(Piping). This source can also be used for the Scope of the Problem section as it discloses
information on the state of this bird and the reasons for its low population in Connecticut.
Thompson, Peter R. State of Birds in Connecticut Survey. N.d. Raw data. CT, Coventry.
This survey will receive data from math and science teachers at Coventry High School.
This provides an outlook on the general publics opinion on bird conservation. Replacing
farmland and beaches will require support from everyone, which is why it is integral that support
is earned from the citizens of Connecticut. Fortunately, nearly the entire sample supported bird
conservation, especially those who were aware of the issues at hand. In fact, nearly two-thirds of
the sample agreed or strongly agreed that it was important to them (Thompson). This source can
be easily blended into the Gaining Support section of the proposal.
Van der Aue, Kathy and Thompson, Peter. Interview, Bird Conservation in Connecticut, 14 Feb
2016. CT, Coventry.
Kathy Van der Aue is the President of the Connecticut Ornithological Association,
making the interview a very valid source. It will comprise of ten questions that relate to bird
conservation and what can be done to effectively save these species in Connecticut. As someone
who is passionate about birds and knowledgeable about their status in Connecticut, Kathy will
provide strong and assertive qualitative data that can be used throughout the proposal, especially
in the Implementing the Plan section. This interview has garnered reasons for the decline as well
as startling numbers about the populations of these birds, including that out of 216 Least Tern
nests surveyed in Connecticut, only one chick hatched (Van der Aue) due to the stress brought on
by human activity on the beaches.

Thompson 19
Appendix A: Interview Transcript
Interviewee: Kathy Van der Aue, President of the Connecticut Ornithological Association (COA)
PT: What is the importance of bird conservation in Connecticut and why do these species
need to be saved immediately?
KV: Without our help, the Piping Plover would not be in CT anymore, with our
monitoring to keep predators out of their nests. Its important that we try to maintain the species
that belong there. With Grasshopper Sparrows we need to develop more areas of grassland; our
grasslands have disappeared for development. If we dont find more grassland area the species
will go extinct in CT. Least Terns have the same situation as the plovers except human
intervention has made their nesting unsuccessful for the last few years; we need to keep humans
away so they can nest. We had 216 nests and only 1 chick last year at Milford Point. The reason
is that we have so over-developed our state and the beach properties are so in demand that the
beach-nesting species are under tremendous pressure. Thats why these conservation efforts are
so important.
PT: To what extent does grassland habitat in Connecticut need to be preserved or
maintained better, especially along the Connecticut River Valley?
KV: Grassland habitat is most desirable for developers because of the least amount of site
preparation. The state has purchased another property near the Mass. border but I did not hear if
that property is attractive to any species. Plus, grassland species like to nest at airports, and they
dont like to have birds around airplanes. The search is on; we were hoping to get some tobacco
fields for them.
PT: To what extent does human presence on beaches where Piping Plovers and Least
Terns nest impact their nesting success?
KV: Piping Plovers are so cryptic in their coloration and their eggs that people step on the
nests and they step on the chicks. They dont mean to, but thats what happens. People let their
dogs run on the beach and that scares the birds, of course. Putting enclosures around the nests
has been a big help; we had 117 plover chicks hatch this year in the state. These enclosures keep
out gulls, raccoons, dogs and other predators. For the terns, they are such scattered nesters; all
you have to do is move near them and they will fly off the nest and the eggs get cold and they
die. There are just people who say, Look this is a public beach; I want to see the fireworks and
all the Least Terns leave at midnight and cant find their nest again. It is hard to educate people.
PT: How would isolation or heavily limiting human intervention on these beaches help
the nesting success of the Piping Plover and Least Tern?
KV: People still go by in boats and they cant stop the fisherman; its the law that they
can go there. The boats all scare the Least Terns, but it would probably have a beneficial effect
on the Piping Plovers and the oystercatchers. If you exclude the public too much then you wont
allow the conservation efforts in place; we depend on public goodwill to get what we got already.
Charles Island has been closed off.
PT: How much coastline or grassland habitat is currently suitable for these birds as well
as being isolated from human impact?

Thompson 20
KV: Something like a 50-acre field is needed for Bobolinks. Large tracts are needed.
PT: What can the COA (or Connecticut Audubon) do to fund the preservation of this
habitat?
KV: Were supporting it through volunteer efforts, and theres always a need for more
money. The CT Alliance for Coastal Waterbirds has lost a lot of its money due to lack of
volunteers and funding, nearly 200,000 dollars has gone to less than 20,000. Paying people to do
surveys is also helpful.
PT: Of the four species discussed, which one is in the direst condition and what can be
done to stop the decrease in this species population?
KV: Id say the Least Tern is probably in the most dire condition, due to climate change.
The tides are higher, their nests get washed out, and the fish that they use to feed their young in
the Sound are changing. They used to feed sand lance to their young and one year the fish just
were not there anymore and they were not able to feed their young. So a lot of the problem is
climate change and I dont know what we can do to change that, all we can do is try to exclude
boats and people, and educate people.
PT: What will happen to the populations of these species in Connecticut if they are not
conserved immediately?
KV: I would hope theyre stable; we do have a few things that are promising. If we get
those tobacco fields we get more grassland, and then [Upland Sandpipers] and Grasshopper
Sparrows will be able to nest here. As far as the plovers, as long as we can have the money to
continue excluding them. As far as the terns, we still have increasing high tide, and theres no
way we can control that.
PT: What possible fundraisers can be held to raise money for these organizations?
KV: Moneys tight everywhere. I wrote a support letter to change the Duck Stamp, which
brings in enormous money for waterfowl and should have more non-waterfowl like these
species. They are for hunters and need to be bought before getting a license. Should we have a
license for early access to birders? Congress is very difficult right now, more interested in taking
down our environment. Its quite discouraging. Dont overlook the efforts of volunteers.

Thompson 21
Appendix B: Survey Results
Survey Audience: Math and Science Teachers at Coventry High School in Coventry, CT

Thompson 22

An image of an adult Least Tern at Milford Point in Milford, CT was pictured for the above
question.

Thompson 23

This question was used to evaluate the size of a fee required to deter people from visiting a
beach. $35 was decided upon due to $15 clearly being too low.To the Reader of this Proposal,
Although the conservation of birds in Connecticut seems like a frivolous topic, it is very
urgent that these species do not go extinct. People take the beauty of nature for granted and when
they kill these animals (whether they notice it or not) it is heavily detrimental to the planet they
live on and its entire environment. The Connecticut Audubon Society needs to fund this project
as it will prevent such a travesty from occurring. By paying people to keep grassland natural
instead of wasting it for other things, grassland species will definitely find that habitat perfect for
supporting young. And alleviating the human proximity to shorebirds on the Long Island Sounds
sandy dunes will ensure that plovers and terns have enough time to focus on their chicks.
This proposal took approximately a month to produce and entailed hours of peer and
instructor review. This was taken into account in a variety of ways, from being more fluent and
concise in my writing to providing constant urgency in my balanced argument. Days and days of
hard work were put into this extensive and complex project so it could be finished with the
highest possible chance of success. With your support as well as the support of Connecticut
citizens and bird conservation organizations alike, birds like the Piping Plover, Upland
Sandpiper, Grasshopper Sparrow and Least Tern will see an increase in population because of
human efforts, something that has never happened before.

Thompson 24
Sincerely,
Peter Thompson