Natural Selections 

Piping Plovers are tough little birds. They have to be, considering where they nest.

At Milford Point, for example, they can be harassed by destructively curious dogs, chased off by unobservant walkers, and flattened by off-road vehicles whose drivers ignore the no vehicles sign. Not to mention eaten by foxes, crows, and raccoons.

This year has been different. Although off-roaders are again a problem, walkers mostly heed the advice of the coastal rangers who patrol the beach. Protective fencing has forced predators to eat things other than baby birds.

The result: a record year for Piping Plovers at Milford Point.

We just posted a complete update on our website. It includes a year-by-year tally of how this federally-threatened species is faring in Connecticut:

Read, "Combine tough little birds and diligent conservation with a bit of luck, and the result is a record year for threatened Piping Plovers at Milford Point"

125-Bird Challenge

More than 4 dozen species of birds were seen at Milford Point today.

It's a great place to go for Connecticut Audubon's 125th anniversary, 125-bird challenge.

The 125-Bird Challenge is not a competition — it's just for fun. You should try it.

Click here to learn more.