Note: The following posted to CTBirds by Patrick Commons if Audubon Connecticut could be important to many CT birders. The Long Beach West Commission in Stratford is proposing a boardwalk similar to the one constructed at Silver Sands, which had quite a detrimental effect on the nesting Piping Plovers there. There is currently a poll, where those in favor of the boardwalk are overwhelmingly winning. If you have an opinion on this issue, please see the following link and vote. http://stratford.patch.com/articles/long-beach-west-boardwalk-bound-poll From Frank Mantlik: 03/26/12 - Southport, Southport Beach -- The Bonaparte's Gull flock numbers 3300 birds, counted by tens to 1000 then extrapolated. The BLACK HEADED GULL (adult in full breeding plumage) flew in earlier, didn't stay long, then departed (though probably still in area). At times there was much turnover of birds coming and going. This is the largest flock of Bonies I've seen in CT in several years. I suspect as the tide falls the flock may return to the mouth of Sasco Creek at Southport Beach. From Annie and Mike Perko: 03/26/12 - Lebanon -- Harris's sparrow still present around 10 AM Monday; 78 days. From Tina Green: 03/26/12 - Westport, Sherwood Island State Park -- Pair of Northern Shovelers in the Mill Pond before the entrance to the park at 12:05. Burying Hill Beach -- Lesser Black-backed Gull continues as of 12:20. From Annette Cunniffe with Brenda Inskeep: 03/26/12 - Stamford, Rosa Hartman Park -- 3 BROWN CREEPERS. Greenwich, Grass Island -- BLACK VULTURE. From Linda Rediker: 03/26/12 - Portland/Middletown -- two Peregrine Falcons flying by the Arrigoni Bridge at 6pm.