Other birds going thru this morning: Tree Swallows... 220 (at one time, about 9AM, I estimated 400 or so swallows milling over the marsh) Red-Winged Blackbirds... 230 Common Grackle... 30 Barn Swallow... 30 Bob-o-link... 90 Eastern Kingbirds... 22 ( one year ago tomorrow, I had 605 E.Kingbirds go thru) Chimney Swift... 30 Ruby-throated Hummingbird... 2 In addition

Highlights include: (I didn't count but estimated) 3 to 4 dozen Oystercatchers, 150+ peeps including Least Sandpipers, Semi-palmated Sandpipers and Semi-palmated Plovers. 2 Greater Yellowlegs, 1 Lesser Yellowlegs, 1 Short-billed Dowitcher, 12-15 Sanderlings, 18 to 24 Dunlin (in all plumages and transitional plumages), 2 White-rumped Sandpipers, 4 Red

Tony Hager and Bobbie Fisher estimated the following: Com Grackle 551,000; RW Blackbird 60,000; BH Cowbird 60,000; Am Robin 190,000.  Amazing numbers, even for a good November morning at Lighthouse. Steve Mayo Bethany

Our Ovenbird estimate was 45-50 but we did no formal count.  6 Wood Thrush actual nests but many more heard on territory. Fledgling Wood Thrush as well as fledgling Ovenbirds.  Pewee and Scarlet Tanager nearly always within earshot with one pewee gathering spider webs and anchoring it's nest.

I also saw and heard 6-8 Roseate Terns and a conservative estimate of 300 Common Terns, 1 Bonaparte's Gull, 14 Laughing Gulls, and 20 Common Eider. Lots of activity in CT, not much in NY.I'll see what the ride back to CT "Terns up"! Pun intended. The John H leaves 11am and 3pm which is the best boat.

Please be sure to estimate your time spent in the field and number of observers in your checklists to help track level of effort. Thanks so much!

On the marsh: conservative estimate of 200 Brant on the marsh, continuing all morning, 6 American Black ducks, 12 Mute swans, 4 Red Breasted Mergansers, 4 Cormorants flew over.

Please be sure to estimate your time spent in the field and number of observers in your checklists to help track level of effort. Thanks so much!

On the Long island sound side and shoreline: conservative estimate of 300 Sanderlings and 300 Dunlin actively feeding along the shoreline,5 Great black backed gulls, numerous Herring and Ring billed gulls, 11 horned larks, 17 American black ducks, 15 Brant, and 3 Loons ( 1 Red throated loon and 2 Common). Bev Propen, Orange

The pertinent portion of the ordinance is below: (3) (a) All supplies, materials, equipment and contractual services, except as otherwise provided herein, when the estimated costs thereof shall exceed $25,000, shall be purchased by formal written contract from the lowest and best bidder, after due notice inviting bid Should this RFP be rebid?