Shorebirds were sparse on the sandspit by the harbor from 2 to 3:30 PM on Wed. (5th). There was a mix of about 15 semipalmated and least sandpipers, 10 semipalmated plovers, 2 sanderlings (brief appearance), 2 pectoral sandpipers, 2 killdeer along with 2 Caspian terns. They were concentrated in the small area at the edge of the sand. It was also pretty quiet along Conneaut Creek where I was kayaking, which is to be expected in August. 
 
So how much do the very low numbers shorebirds being reported have to do with the leveling of the entire sand area for the benefit of jet skiers (which should be banned everywhere) and beach goers?  Most of the shorebird habitat has been wiped out;  the low, wet areas where the SBs fed are gone. Perhaps nature will restore them in time?   Cutting most of the phragmites is a good thing, of course, but unless they spray it or to continue to cut, it will return with a vengeance. 
 
On a much  more cheerful note, The Nature Conservancy has a three million dollar grant to restore and create wetlands along the Lake Erie shore. Here is the TNC link with the details:
 


http://www.nature.org/wherewework/northamerica/states/ohio/press/press4609.html
http://www.nature.org/wherewework/northamerica/states/ohio/press/press4609.html
 
Bill Jones 
Canfield (Youngstown area)



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