Sandy Point and Morse Point, West Haven

Description: Sandy Point and Morse Point protrude into New Haven Harbor from the west side. The points form a city-owned barrier beach (sand spit) system with a tidal creek and area of tidal marsh and tidal flats. The area receives significant use by migrating shorebirds, which roost on the sand spit and sandbars at high tide and forage on the tidal flats at lower tides. It is one of the primary stopover areas for Red Knots in Connecticut. It is also an important nesting area for Piping Plovers as well as waterbird species (Least and Common Terns). Habitats are very fragile and subject to hydrologic changes; high tides often cause a problem by over-washing tern and plover nests.

The area is extremely popular for fishing and other beach related uses in the warmer months, as well as a popular destination for birders. Plovers, terns, and migrating shorebirds are prone to predation, human disturbance and disturbance from unleashed dogs. Significant species from ISS maximum count data: BBPL (300), DUNL (250), GRYE (50), LEYE (80), REKN (75), RUTU (100), SAND (400), SBDO (170), SEPL (139), SESA (1,500).

Access: The site is easily accessible by car from Exit 44 off I-95. The flats, sand spits and beach should be considered Type 1 habitat.

Survey Method: Ground survey on Sandy Point two hours before and after low tide. Much of the spit is underwater at high tide, although how much varies from year to year. Walk Sandy Spit for the survey. Survey should take about two hours.

Selection Bias: Not applicable.

Measurement error: Negligible

Measurement bias: None.

Pilot Studies: None needed.

Local Contacts: Patrick Comins, Connecticut Audubon Dori Sosensky, New Haven Bird Club