[From the U.S. Government Printing Office, www.gpo.gov]






















                    BREEDING STATUS, HABITAT USE, AND MANAGEMENT
                        OF THREATENED AND ENDANGERED WILDLIFE
                          IN NEW HAMPSHIRE'S COASTAL REGION






                                     FINAL REPORT






                       Submitted to the N.H. Office of State Planning

                                   December 30, 1991


                                         by the

                            Audubon Society of New Hampshire




           QL
           683


           B73
           1991





                               57- 2 2-
                             e- 7- @@3                                       412-










            This report was prepared by:


            Diane De Luca
            Senior Biologist/Ornithologist


            Carol R. Foss
            Director of Wildlife Programs

            Richard Hughes
            Coastal Field Biologist


            Mark Suomala
            Coastal Field Biologist


            PRQJECT PERSONNEL:
            Technical and supervisory support -


                   Carol R. Foss
                   Director of Wildlife Programs


                   Diane De Luca
                   Senior Biologist/Ornithologist

            Field  Biologists -

                   Richard Hughes
                   Mark Suomala



            The New Hampshire Coastal Program provided a grant for the preparation
            of this report which was financed in part by the Coastal Zone Management
            Act of 1972, as amended, administered by the Office of Ocean and Coastal
            Resources Management, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.












                                              Table of Contents







            Background    ..................................


            Common Tern


                 Introduction ..............................                2


                 Study Areas  ..............................                4


                 Methods  ..................................                9


                 Results  ...................................              19


                 Discussion  ................................              33


                  Monitoring and Management Recommendations                36


            Ospreys

                 Introduction ...............................               37


                 Study Areas  ...............................               37

                 Methods  ...................................               39


                 Results  ....................................              42


                 Discussion  .................................              45

                  Monitoring and Management Recommendations                  48











                                                                         Page


            Northern Harrier


                 Introduction .................................               49


                 Methods  .....................................               49


                 Results ......................................               50


                 Discussion  ...................................              51


                  Monitoring and Management Recommendations          ....     52



            Piping Plover


                 Introduction ...................................               53


                 Study Area ....................................                53


                 Methods  .......................................               53


                 Results ........................................               56


                 Discussion   .....................................             56


                 Monitoring and Management Recommendations           .......    57

             References    ........................................             58










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                      BREEDING STATUS, HABITAT USE, AND MANAGEMENT
                          OF THREATENED AND ENDANGERED WILDLIFE
                            IN NEW HAMPSHIRE'S COASTAL REGION









          Background

          The N.H. Fish and Game Department (NHF&G) recognizes as endangered or
          threatened six bird species whose documented or potential breeding
          ranges in New Hampshire occur exclusively or primarily in the coastal
          region. This project included field studies of the breeding season
          distribution, habitat use, status, and nesting success of Common Terns
          (state endangered), Ospreys (state threatened), Northern Harriers (state
          threatened), and Piping Plovers (state endangered, federally threatened).
          Bald Eagles (state and federally endangered) winter at Great Bay, but do
          not occur there during the breeding deason at this time.

          Active management and habitat protection for these five species will be
          critical to their future survival in New Hampshire. The information
          generated by this project can facilitate land use planning efforts to
          accommodate both human and wildlife needs in the coastal region.















                                        COMMONTERN



          INTRODUCTION


          Historically, Lunging Island at the Isles of Shoals supported New
          Hampshire's most significant documented tern colony, which peaked at
          1500-2000 Common Tern pairs between 1928 and 1938, and also included
          50-60 pairs of Roseate Terns (Sterna douaallii) and 25-30 pairs of Arctic
          Terns (Sterna paradisaea) (Jackson 1947). This colony's decline during the
          1940's followed a decrease in human activity on the island and subsequent
          increases in Herring Gull (Larus argentatus) and Great Black-backed Gull
          (Larus marinus) numbers. Terns abandoned Lunging Island by 1955 (Taber
          1955).

          Since that time, the state's Common Tern population has included two
          mainland colonies and scattered pairs nesting on rocky islands in coastal
          bays or in salt marshes. Field studies conducted annually since 1981 have
          documented serious instability in coastal colonies, where marginal
          nesting habitat and heavy predation have significantly hampered
          productivity.

          Field work in 1990 documented abandonment of the Back Channel colony,
          poor reproductive success at the Hampton colony, growth of a small colony
          on an island in Little Bay and the mid-season return of the Seabrook
          colony, which fledged few young (Figure 1). Despite management efforts
          on its behalf, the New Hampshire tern population continues to suffer from
          severe problems associated with marginal nesting habitat.

          The goals of this project were to maintain the on-going data base on
          colony size, breeding status, and reasons for failure at existing colonies;
          continue to experiment with floatable nest platforms to mitigate tidal
          flooding; and identify important foraging areas.


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                  Figure 1. Location                of Common Tern Colony Sites, 1989-91

                                                                                 3











           STUDY AREAS



           HAMPTON HARBOR ESTUARY2


           Hampton

           The Hampton colony nests on approximately 2 km. of salt marsh bounded by
           Winnicunet Road to the north, Rt. 1A to the east, and Rt. 51 to the
           southwest (Figure 2). Eel Ditch and Tide Mill Creek surround the primary
           nesting area (Figure 3). The dominant marsh vegetation includes
           saltwater cordgrass (Spartina alterniflora) along the channels and ponds,
           salt hay grass (Spartina pal=) in the drier areas, and saltgrass
           (Distichlis spicata) where standing water occurs. High tides ranged from
           2.4m. (7.8ft.) to 3.6m. (11.7 ft.) and low tides from -0.5m. (-1.5ft.) to
           0.6m. (1.9 ft.).


           Seabrook


           This site is located on the west side of the Blackwater River between
           Lower Gill Rocks and Mill Creek (Figure 4). The colony nested in an area
           roughly 50 x 100 m. only 4-5 m. from the shoreline. A few additional
           nests were found within 100 m. west and north of the central colony. The
           majority of the nests were found in areas of Juncus, where the tern
           activity bent the rush into soft mats. A few nests were on mats of loose
           thatch that had been brought up with the tides.



           LITTLE DAY:


           Hen Island


           Hen Island lies approximately 70m. east of Fox Point on Little Bay in
           Newington (Figure 5). The colony site is a town-owned island less than
           0.8 ha. in area which supports small patches of sparse grasses,
           substantial shrub growth and several small trees. Town residents launch
           and moor private boats in the small cove east of Fox Point and south of
           Hen Island.
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                  Figure 2. Location of Hampton Marsh Common Tern Colony, 1991

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                 Figure 3. Nest.ing Locations of Hampton Marsh Tern Colony, 1991

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          Figure 4. Location of Seabrook Common  Tern Colony, 1991

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                    Figure 5. Location of Common Tern Colonies, Little Bay, 1991

                                                                                          8










          Langley RocKs

          This site is a 10m. x 15m. pile of rocks just east of Mathes Cove and south
          of the mouth of the Oyster River on the Durham shore of Little Bay. The
          terns coexisted here with a breeding pair of Great Black-backed Gulls and
          their chicks (Figure 6).



          LITTLE HARB


          Back Channel


          This colony includes a series of three privately owned unnamed islands
          just south of Goat Island in New Castle (Figure 7). Island A, less than
          0.08 ha. in area, lies less than 100 meters from Goat Island and is
          characterized by rock ledge crowned with grass. Island B, measuring
          0.08 ha., is more extensively vegetated and is ringed by rock ledge.
          Island C, 0.04 ha. in size, has more extensive grassy areas, rock
          outcropping and the remains of a small cottage.



          METHOD


          NESTING OBSERVATIONS


          Project biologists monitored the Little Bay and Hampton estuary colonies
          a minimum of once per week from mid-May through early September. The
          Back Channel islands were checked periodically during 16 May through 28
          June, when breeding activity was observed, and then monitored twice
          weekly through the end of the season. A site summary form was
          completed for each visit which included date, time, weather, number of
          terns and nests and other species observed. Data collected on active nests
          included time, status, presence of adult, number of eggs and/or young and
          their condition. Documentation of breeding chronology and reproductive
          success included dates and numbers of eggs laid, chicks hatched and
          fledgings; or date of failure.



                                             9





























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                         Figure 6: Location of Langley Island Common Tern Colony, 1991

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          Hampton Marsh

          Project biologists visited the Hampton Marsh twice weekly from 16 May
          through 24 August and weekly from 24 August through 7 September.

          Each nest found was marked by alpha numerics. The letter identified its
          location (section) in the marsh and the number signified when it was
          found relative to the other nests in that section (eg. C4 indicated the
          fourth nest found in area C).



          Seabrook


          The Seabrook colony was monitored a minimum of twice weekly from
          16 May through 27 June, when it was determined that all nesting had been
          abandoned.   Nests were located and mapped prior to abandonment;
          however, a final egg count had not been made prior to the dispersal of this
          colony.


          Hen Island


          The Hen Island colony was monitored twice weekly from 11 May through
          15 July when it was determined that all nesting had been abandoned. The
          small size of the colony made nest marking unnecessary.

          Langley Rocks

          This pair of terns was monitored from shore and by boat on a periodic
          basis from 6 June through 14 August.

          Back Channel


          Back Channel islands were checked periodically beginning 16 May and then
          monitored twice weekly from nest initiation on 28 June through 2
          September. Site summary and individual nest data were collected as at
          Hampton. The small size of the colony made nest marking unnecessary.



                                             12











           HISTORICAL AND POTENTIAL S   ITES


           On 23 May, NHFG provided a boat and two biologists to assist in checking
           islands in Great and Little bays for tern nesting activity. The following
           sites were included: the unnamed island in the Oyster River, Langley
           Islands in Mathes Cove, Hen Island, Nannie Island and Swan Island. The
           survey also covered the shoreline and potential foraging areas.

           On 19 June, NHFG again provided a boat and biologist to assist in a survey
           of Great and Little bays, the Piscataqua River, Back Channel, Little Harbor
           and Portsmouth Harbor out into the open ocean (Figure 8).

           On 20 June, NHFG provided a boat and biologist to assist in a survey of
           Hampton Harbor for additional tern colonies. The survey route included all
           navigable tidal channels between Rtes. 286, 51 and 1 (Figure 9). The route
           continued through the channel under Rt. 51 and north into Tide Mill Creek
           and Eel Ditch.


           Location, behavior and flight direction were noted for all terns observed.
           All tern activity was followed up by observations from accessible
           mainland and canoe launch sites.



           FORAGING STUDIES


           Biologists and volunteers conducted observations throughout the coastal
           area to identify important foraging areas and the frequency of their use.
           Observations occurred along the ocean shoreline from Odiorne Point to
           Seabrook beach; in Hampton Harbor and its associated marshes; in Great
           and Little bays, on the Piscataqua River, Portsmouth Harbor, Little
           Harbors and on the open ocean out to the Isles of Shoals (Figure 10).

           Data collected during foraging observations included location, date, time,
           weather conditions, tide levels, foraging behavior and direction of travel.





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                                                                                                                                                                             17










          FEEDING STUDIES


          Project biologists conducted feeding studies at both the Hen Island and
          Hampton colonies to determine identity and frequency of prey fed to
          chicks.  Data collected during feeding observations included nest location;
          times of tern arrival and departure; identification of provider and
          receiver; number, size and species of prey items delivered; direction from
          which deliveries came; weather conditions and tide levels.



          A 1.4 m. x 1.4 m. burlap-covered wooden blind was placed in the Seabrook
          colony on 24 May as the terns began nest initiation. After the failure of
          this colony, the blind was moved to the Hampton marsh and relocated
          20 m. from an active nesting area. Observations were conducted at nine
          nests during the weeks of 9 August and 15 August. Observation periods
          lasted 4 hours. Hurricane "Bob" destroyed the blind on 18-19 August.



          FLOTATION MANAGEMENT


          Seven nest floats were placed in the Seabrook marshes prior to nest
          initiation. Each float was constructed from a 0.6 m. x 0.6 m. plywood
          base, edged with a 2.5 cm. border and attached to a 5 cm. piece of foam
          core. Floats were anchored into the marsh by 1.5 cm. steel spikes
          connected to 1.8 m. cords, and were covered with loose thatch.   All nest
          floats were placed in areas of the marsh that appeared vulnerable to
          flooding.

          On 10 July, after it was determined that the Seabrook colony had
          abandoned and in anticipation of a second round of very high tides, the
          nest floats were moved to the Hampton marsh. The platforms were placed
          under seven nests in which eggs already had been laid. Each nest with its
          accompanying materials was lifted off the ground, a float was slipped
          underneath and the nest was set on top. Each float was marked with both
          a number and the alpha numerics of the nest it supported. Data collected
          for each float included number of eggs and/or young and their condition,
          chicks hatched and fledgings; or date of failure. Additional data included
          tide levels and the condition of "non-floating" nests in the immediate
          vicinity at time of observation.
                                              18










          RESULTS


          NESTING OBSERVATIONS


          HAMPTON HARBOR ESTUARY:


          Hampton

          The highest count of adult terns at this site was 93, on 16 August.
          Surveys documented 99 nesting attempts. A nest count conducted by
          project personnel and volunteers during the week of 11 June documented
          32 nests. In subsequent visits, 67 additional nests were documented.
          Fifty one nests (52%) contained three eggs, 29 nests (29%) contained
          twoeggs and 19 (18%) contained one egg (Table 1).

          First hatch occurred during the week of 24 June and hatching continued
          through 16 August. A high tide of 3.6 m. (11.7 ft.) on 13 June was coupled
          with severe thunderstorms and heavy rain. One nest (three eggs) survived
          the resulting flooding. The 67 additional nests all were assumed to be
          renesting attempts. Observations suggest that the Seabrook terns moved
          into the Hampton marshes after abandoning their nests subsequent to the
          tidal flooding on 13 June.

          Once tern chicks are 2-3 days old they can hide adeptly in the grasses
          surrounding the nests. However, chicks which reached fledging age were
          readily observed as they practiced flight patterns and actively begged
          from adults.  Project biologists observed 10 airborne fledglings. An
          additional chick was observed near fledging on 4 September. Although the
          Gulf of Maine Tern Working Group defines a fledged tern chick as one that
          reaches the age of 14 days (Gulf of Maine Tern Working Group, pers.
          comm.), this statistic was very difficult to obtain in the Hampton marsh
          colony, as the nests were widely scattered and the chicks very difficult to
          locate even with nest markers.


          Nest failures often were difficult to document. During the first round of
          nesting, 31 of 32 nests were destroyed by tidal flooding and heavy rain.
          Project biologists observed 47 of the renesting attempts with eggs but
          not with chicks; presumably these nests failed. Predation was determined
          to be the cause of failure in 6 nests. The egg or chick remains in these
                                              19
















      Table 1. Number and percentage of Common Tern clutch sizes of
               New Hampshire nesting colonies, 1991





           CWTCH      HAMPTON   BACK CHANNEL LANGLEY IS.
           SIZE




           3 EGGS     51 (52%)    3(60%)



           2 EGGS     29(29%)     2(40%)       1 (100%)


           1EGG       19(18%)














                               20








         nests pointed to either gull or Black-crowned Night-heron predation
         (Nycticorax nycticorax). Both black-crowned night-heron and gulls were
         frequently observed in the Hampton marsh colony. A Northern Harrier
         (Circus gMAD&&) was observed at Hampton on 11 June. Many of the other
         nest failures were probably due to tidal flooding, weather conditions or
         abandonment (common for late nesting attempts) (Table 2). Calculated
         from 10 airborne chicks and the one additional near-airborne chick;
         productivity of the Hampton Marsh colony was .20 fledglings/nest (Table
         3).


         Seabrook


         The highest count of adult terns at this site was 50 on 3 June. Surveys
         documented 25 nesting attempts by 7 June. The high tides and flooding
         rains of 13 June destroyed all of the 25 nests (Table 2). Two pairs
         renested but were again flooded during the high tides of 11 July. Two to
         five terns were observed in the Seabrook colony throughout the breeding
         season, but no chicks were produced (Table 3).

         LITTLE BAY:


         Hen Island


         Terns were first observed foraging in Little Bay on 11 May. A survey on
         22 May documented 4 nests being incubated on Hen Island. Three nests
         were located on the eastern shore with the fourth along the rocks on the
         southwest side. By 29 May, all four of these initial nests had been
         abandoned and a new nest was established in the middle of the island.
         Observations on 31 May revealed that courtship feeding was occurring at
         other sites on Hen Island, and an additional nest census on 6 June found 3
         active nests with a total of four eggs. Terns appeared to be relaying,
         although there was no direct evidence of nest predation. Terns made
         additional nesting attempts on this island from 10 June through 15 July.

         The cause of nest failure was, at first, difficult to determine. A few
         shell fragments were found on the island and several of these appeared to
         have been destroyed by black-crowned night heron. However, there was no
         sign of the large numbers of eggs that had been lost, and conditions ruled
         out any flooding or washover problems. On 10 July, four small Norway
                                        21





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          Table 2. Known causes of failure at New Hampshire Tern Colonies, 1991




               CAUSES                 EGGS            CHICKS           TOTAL
                                                                       NESTS
                                   Hampton: 21
               Failure            Back Channel: 4                        25
               to hatch


                                   Hampton: 4          Hampton: 2
               Predation          Hen Island: 7+                         13+


                                   Hampton: 46         Hampton: 5
               Tidal flooding    Seabrook: 27                             78
               w/ heavy rain


















                                             22
















          Table 3. Pro ductivity of Common Tern Colonies at Hampton, Seabrook, Hen,
                    Langley and Back Channel, 1991







                                  Nests            Airborne         Productivity
                                                   Chicks           Fledgl./Nest

           Hampton                99               1 1              0.2 F/N



           Seabrook               27                                0.0 F/N



           Hen                    7+                                0.0 F/N



           Langley                1                1                1.0 F/N



           Backchannel            5                2                0.4 F/N










                                               23









          rats (Rattus norvegicua) were found under an abandoned sign that was
          lying amidst the vegetation in the center of the island. On 12 July, four
          rat traps were baited and set under the sign; from 14 July through August
          a total of eight Norway rats ranging in size from 24.5 - 36.0 cm. were
          caught and removed.

          A maximum of 16 terns were observed at Hen Island. No eggs reached the
          hatch stage and all were assumed to have been lost to predation, primarily
          caused by the presence of rats (Table 2). By 16 July, the terns had begun
          to abandon this site and no terns were observed at this location after 23
          July (Table 3).

          Langley Rocks

          On 23 May, a boat reconnaissance of this area revealed no tern activity.
          Terns were first observed in Mathes Cove on 6 June. On 19 June, a visit to
          the island confirmed that a pair of terns were incubating a single egg; an
          additional cracked egg was found nearby.

          On 10 July, a single chick was observed on Langley Island and this chick
          fledged by 1 August (Table 3). A great black-backed gull nest on the
          island fledged two chicks.



          LITTLE HARBOR:


          Back Channel:


          Terns were first observed at the Back Channel islands during a check on
          16 June. A pair of terns were engaged in courtship feeding at the Back
          Channel islands on 20 June. Incubation by a single pair was noted on 28
          June and a survey of this nest site found three eggs. A visit to the island
          on 24 July revealed that the eggs had hatched, but one chick was found
          dead of apparent exposure. The two remaining chicks fledged by 15 August
          and were still in the area on 2 September.

          A survey on 16 July found three nests on the rocky ledges on the south
          side of Island B. Two of the nests had three eggs and one had two eggs
          (Table 1 ). An additional nest of two eggs was found on Island B on
                                              24








           24 July. Observations from 9 August noted decreased activity around
           Island B and by 16 August the terns had abandoned this island. Remains of
           three of the 10 eggs known on Island B were found; all three eggs
           appeared to have suffered from black-crowned night-heron predation.
           There was no evidence of the remaining seven eggs or any sign of chicks
           (Table 2).

           A maximum of 22 adult terns were seen flying over the Back Channel
           Islands on 15 August and again on 30 August. A total of two chicks
           fledged from the five known nests for a productivity of 0.4 chicks/nest at
           Back Channel.



           HISTORICAL AND POTENTIAL SITES


           Surveys of potential breeding habitat documented tern activity at a
           number of locations.


           The survey of Great and Little bays on 19 June confirmed incubation by a
           pair of terns at Langley Rocks. Tern activity was also noted at the Back
           Channel Islands on this date and followup on 20 June found a pair engaged
           in courtship activities. An additional discovery during the 19 June boat
           survey was active foraging by 20+ terns at the mouth of the Piscataqua
           River. A subsequent check of the shoreline in this area located a tern
           colony of 50+ pairs on Horn Island off Kittery Point, Maine.



           FORAGING STUDIES


           Project personnel documented foraging activity that was consistent with
           the patterns observed during the 1990 breeding season. As in 1990,
           nesting terns were foraging in close proximity to the breeding colonies.

           Terns from the Hampton colony foraged along the tidal channels that flow
           through the colony area (Figure 12). Foraging along Tide Mill Creek and Eel
           Ditch was most evident at high tide and as chicks began to fledge and the
           birds gathered in "loafing" areas along the channel. In addition to foraging
           in the channels, many birds were observed flying to and from Hampton
           Harbor. Return trips brought prey items back into the colony.
                                               25












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              Figure 12. Common Tern Foraging Locations at Hampton Marsh, 1991

                                                              26







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          The Seabrook colony birds foraged along the Blackwater River and in
          Hampton Harbor, both in immediate proximity to the colony (Figure 13).
          As in 1990, visual observations revealed an abundance of prey. The most
          active foraging took place in the final two hours of a rising tide.


          The Hen Island and Langley Rocks terns also foraged in close proximity to
          the breeding areas. The most active foraging took place in Broad Cove, an
          area of protected waters less than 0.5 km. from the Hen Island colony
          (Figure 14).  Foraging was also observed along the shores of Little Bay,
          the mouth of the Oyster River, Royall's Cove, and the waters immediately
          around Hen and Goat Islands. In addition, terns were seen foraging off
          Adam's Point and the Footman Islands on 27 July, and off Moody Point on
          four separate occasions.

          The Back Channel terns foraged in the waters immediately adjacent to the
          breeding islands. The waters off Leach's, Pest, Shapleigh, Goat and
          Pierces Islands as well as off Lady Isle were also used for foraging. On
          three evenings in August, terns were observed foraging over the South Mill
          Pond near downtown Portsmouth (Figure 15).

          Terns were observed foraging at the mouth of the Piscataqua River and
          Little Harbor on 100% of the survey periods (Figure 16). Successful
          catches were followed back to the Horn Island colony, less than 1 mile
          northeast of this location. With over 100 individual terns at this colony,
          the foraging demand was greatest at this site.



          FEEDING SURVEYS


          Feeding studies were made more difficult this year by the high rate of
          nest failure and subsequent transience of breeding terns along the coast.
          However, the data gathered were consistent with data collected in 1990.

          Hampton

          The placement of the blind at the Hampton marsh facilitated feeding
          observations at this site, and appeared to pose minimal disturbance to the

                                              28






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                                52







                Figure 14. Common Tern Foraging Locations at Little Bay, 1991

                                                                         29







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             Figure 15.     Common     Tern Foraging Locations at       Back   Channel, 1991

                                                           30









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                                                                            31








          terns.  The terns appeared to habituate quickly, landing back at their
          nests within minutes of blind placement. Terns frequently used the blind
          for a perch, with or without human occupants present. The blind enabled
          observation of the activities around five nests.


          Feeding frequency, expressed as the number of prey items delivered per
          chick, per hour was 0.9 during the week of 9 August and 1.0 in the week of
          15 August. Destruction of the blind during Hurricane Bob on 19 August
          precluded further feeding observations.

          The principal prey species at the Hampton colony was sand lance
          (Ammodytes amer*canus), which was fed during 71.4% of the observed
          feedings. The second most abundant food source was striped killifish
          (Fundulus heteroclitus) brought in during 26.2% of the observed feedings.
          Atlantic herring was observed being brought to a nest site on one occasion
          (Table 4). All prey items came from the direction of Hampton Harbor.



          Hen and Back Channel Islands


          The principal prey species at Hen and Back Channel Islands was Atlantic
          herring (Clul2ea hgLQn_qgM. Observations noted that schools of Atlantic
          herring were abundant in the waters surrounding both islands, especially
          in August when bluefish (Pomatomu5 saltatrLy) chased schools into the
          shallow waters on the incoming tide. Feeding frequency at the Back
          Channel nest was 2.5 during the week of 31 July and 1.7 in the week of
          9 August.

          Feeding studies discovered that adult terns at Back Channel Islands and
          Langley Rocks were attempting to feed chicks that belonged to another
          pair. After the round of failures at Back Channel in mid-August, 3-5
          adults with prey were routinely observed circling above the surviving
          chicks. This same phenomenon was noted at Langley Rocks. On numerous
          occasions 4-5 adults terns, each with prey, perched in a loose circle
          around a chick. The parents were seen to chase these "helpers" from the
          immediate vicinity of the nest.




                                              32










           FLOTATION MANAGEMENT


           Terns exhibited minimal interest in the floats placed at the Seabrook
           colony during nest initiation. A pair of terns was observed in courtship
           atop a float on 12 June as high tides began to encroach on nesting habitat.

           Placement of the floats under nests in which eggs already had been laid
           yielded very positive results. Immediately following a second round of
           high tides on 11 July, flooding of nests was apparent in the areas without
           flotation but the floats kept their nests high and dry. Six of the seven
           floats hatched chicks giving a hatch rate of 86%, and it is possible that
           the seventh float also yielded chicks but they were never found. The hatch
           rate for all known nesting attempts was 15%. Floats were placed under
           7% of all observed nests. The chicks hatched from these floats represent
           32% of all known hatches in the Hampton marsh.



           DISCUSSION


           Results of the nesting observations further confirm the low reproductive
           success and general difficulties experienced by terns nesting in mainland
           situations. The high rate of failure in all colonies contributed to
           considerable movement by breeding terns. In contrast to 1990 when 3
           breeding sites were occupied, terns attempted to breed at 6 locations in
           1991.


           The Hampton marsh colony size and productivity has remained relatively
           consistent over the last few years. Although a few chicks achieved
           fledging in this location, the colony's productivity is only slightly above
           zero.   Flooding and predation continue to account for the highest
           percentage of failed nests.  This is consistent with the findings of most
           researchers who believe flooding to be the main disadvantage to marsh
           nesting (Burger and Lesser 1978, 1979; Burger 1982; Buckley and Buckley
           1982; Erwin and Smith 1985). The complete failure (with the exception of
           one nest in Hampton) at both the Hampton and Seabrook colonies on 13
           June set the stage for movement of the Seabrook terns into the Hampton
           colony. This influx of breeding birds into Hampton contributed to the
           doubling of nesting attempts from 52 in 1990 to 99 this season.

                                                33








          As in past years, observations documented a widening dispersal of nests
          as the season progressed. In the past this was thought to be due, at least
          in part, to continued low productivity combined with the pressures of
          predation. The high loss to flooding this season allowed for an
          examination of dispersal in the context of nesting substrate.

          The majority of nests at Seabrook were situated in areas of Juncus where
          the tern activity bent the rush into soft mats. These nests were
          extremely vulnerable to flooding.  In contrast, nests placed on floating
          mats of vegetation are more resilient to high tides. Safina et.al (1989)
          found that the number of pairs of nesting birds was related to the area of
          vegetation mats present. Nest surveys at Hampton in early June found
          terns scattered through 6 sections of the marsh, primarily along areas of
          loose thatch. As the season progressed, flooding caused considerable nest
          failure and the consolidated tracts of thatch were broken up and dispersed
          over larger regions of the marsh. This breakup of thatch coincides with
          the dispersion of terns into 16 sections of the Hampton marsh by the end
          of the season.


          The placement of floats in the Seabrook marsh at nest initiation resulted
          in little interest by prospecting terns. However, the complete failure of
          this colony early in their breeding cycle may have been a major factor in
          this outcome. The placement of these same floats under nests in which
          eggs already had been laid led to the extremely high 86% hatch rate in
          Hampton. This supports the claim that adequate substrate in a marsh
          nesting situation can lead to higher productivity. This is, however, a very
          energy intensive management technique. Other options for improving
          nesting substrate should be explored.

          The failure of the Hen Island colony was disappointing after the success
          there in 1990. Rat predation is a serious problem at this site and
          aggressive control measures will be needed to allow future productivity.
          The timing of nest initiation at Langley Rocks and the Back Channel
          Islands reflects movement of the abandoning Hen Island terns to these
          satellite locations. With adequate rat control, Hen Island still remains
          suitable for nesting terns with the availability of nest sites well above
          the high tide line, the protective attitudes of people using the Fox Point
          mooring area, and the apparently adequate food supply found in nearby
          waters.
                                              34










          Chicks were raised at the Back Channel Islands for the first time since
          1985. Egg predation had been the direct cause of zero productivity at this
          site during 1985-1989 and the terns had abandoned the site in 1990. The
          success of the pair on Island C may have been due to a number of factors
          including their late start and the added protection of the other adults at
          this site as the chicks reached fledging age.

          The appearance of 50+ pairs of terns on Horn Island off Kittery Point was
          of great interest for a number of reasons.    First, the formation of this
          colony is evidence that significant numbers of terns are searching for
          suitable nesting habitat in this immediate region. Second, it supports the
          potential for preliminary efforts to relocate terns to more viable breeding
          habitat such as the Isles Of Shoals (Gulf of Maine Tern Working Group,
          1990). Horn Island is in direct line of sight and within 4 miles of the
          Isles of Shoals. All nests failed on Horn due to lack of cover and predation
          by both gulls and black-crowned night-herons. Complete failure at this
          site will likely cause continued movement of this population.

          The foraging observations underscore the importance of maintaining water
          quality in the vicinity of tern colonies. As in 1990, terns were
          documented foraging in close proximity to colony sites; providing an
          important indicator of local environmental quality.   As development
          pressures continue to grow in this region and plans to expand the port of
          Portsmouth get underway, it will be critical to monitor the water quality
          along our immediate coast. Contamination of the water in the Great Bay
          watershed, the Piscataqua River or along the Hampton Harbor estuary
          could be devastating to this endangered population of terns. Further
          studies of common tern foraging habits on the New Hampshire coast will
          contribute to an important baseline against which changes can be
          assessed.


          The feeding studies were consistent with the findings in 1990. Nest
          failures at all sites made feeding observations difficult this season.
          Observations at Hampton did confirm that Ammodytes and Fundulus
          continue to be the terns' primary food sources at that colony.
          Observations at Back Channel Island were also consistent with last year's
          Hen Island data and show Clupea as the principal prey species there.
          Feeding data should be collected in future years to more accurately assess
          both the availability and variability of preferred prey species.
                                               35













          MONITORING AND MANAGEMENT RECOMMENDATIONS



                   continue to monitor all colonies during mid-May through August to
                    assess their status, document productivity, and determine
                    reasons for failure


                - conduct complete survey of known colonies and potential habitat
                    during the target period established by the Gulf of Maine Tern
                    Working Group to correlate data with Maine and Massachusetts

                -  maintain contact with regional efforts, through working groups
                    or committees, to facilitate information exchange regarding
                    concerns and strategies

                -  contact landowners of nesting areas to advise of nesting
                    activity and request permission to land on property; encourage
                      posting where already established and request permission to
                      continue and/or initiate poting at appropriate sites.

                - pursue reintroduction project at the Isles of Shoals, including
                      finalizing logistics for gull control and subsequent tern
                    relocation


                - explore options for improving the nesting substrate in the
                   Hampton marshes

                - begin a more thorough natural resource inventory of the Hampton
                   estuary

                - continue feeding and foraging studies to determine the
                     consistency of observed patterns





                                              36












                                            OSPREYS



          INTRODUCTION


          During most of this century, the only known nesting osprey populations in
          New Hampshire occurred north of the White Mountains, primarily in the
          Androscoggin River drainage.

          In the spring of 1989, an osprey pair enlarged a great blue heron nest in an
          abandoned rookery in a 7-8 acre beaver pond in Durham within 2 miles of
          Great Bay. As is often the case with first year pairs, the nest was
          unsuccessful. The pair remained in the vicinity throughout the breeding
          season, and a third adult also was present in the area. Biologists
          installed a predator guard on the nest tree during the winter to prevent
          mammalian predation of future eggs and young.

          During the 1990 season the pair returned to the same nest tree and
          fledged three young. This marked the first time in the present century
          that a successful breeding by ospreys was documented in New Hampshire's
          coastal region. Observations of additional adult Ospreys in 1990 indicated
          the possibility of an undetected nest or a newly formed pair.

          The goals of this project were to survey potential nesting habitat in the
          coastal region for additional nests, to determine breeding success and
          management needs of nesting pairs and to identify foraging areas.



          STUDY AREA


          The pioneering osprey nest is situated in Durham, near the west shore of
          Great Bay, 0.7 miles southwest of the Bay Road bridge over Crommet Creek
          and 0.7 miles north-northwest of the intersection of Bay and Bay View
          roads. The nest is in a flooded beaver pond of approximately 10 acres
          which is one of a series of wetlands that characterize the area (Figure
          17).

                                               37






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                          Figure 17. Osprey Study Area Location, 1991

                                                                                                                    38
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          METHODS


          Project personnel observed the Durham nest site twice weekly between 29
          March and 2 September. Field data forms for nest activity and feeding
          habits included date, time, weather and identity of birds present.
          Documented observations included osprey presence, courtship displays and
          behavior, prey deliveries and transfers, and any additional osprey activity
          in the area. After the chicks hatched, data included: number of chicks,
          development, dates of fledging and the initiation of hunting by young.

          Biologists surveyed potential foraging habitat by observing from selected
          fixed point locations in one to four-hour time periods. In addition, a
          coordinated osprey foraging survey took place on 27 July. Several survey
          techniques were employed. Fixed point surveys covered the Durham nest
          site, Adam's Point north and south, Moody Point, Depot Road, Colony Cove,
          the Bellamy River and Fox Point. A pair of observers took a canoe up the
          eastern side of the bay along the Pease Air Force Base shoreline and used
          Nanny Island as an additional fixed point location. A driving route circled
          the perimeter of Great and Little bays ( Figure 18). Data recorded included
          date, time, weather, raptor presence, location and activity observed.

          Project personnel conducted an aerial survey of potential osprey nesting
          habitat in the coastal region was conducted on 22 June. The survey route
          included wetland areas along Interstate 95 in Portsmouth, Greenland,
          Hampton and Seabrook; drainages and reservoirs along the Lamprey,
          Oyster, Bellamy and Squamscott rivers; and a sweep around the Bellamy
          Reservoir in Dover. Reduced altitude and space restrictions due to the
          closure of Pease Air Force Base allowed good access to the wetlands
          around Great. Bay. This area continues to have excellent potential for new
          nest sites (Figure 19).







                                              39











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                                Figure 18.                      Coordinated Osprey Foraging Survey, 1991

                                                                                                                                      40









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                                                                NI
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              Figure 19. Route of Aerial Survey for Osprey Nests, 1991

                                                                41












          RESULTS


          NEST OBSERVATIONS


          The first sighting of an osprey at the nest site occurred on 29 March, and
          both adults were present by 3 April.    Courtship activity was first
          observed on 3 April and incubation began on 22 April. Hatch was
          documented on 30 May; a chick was visible in the nest on 7 June and all
          three young could be seen by 11 June. The first two chicks fledged by 21
          July, 52 days after hatch. By 27 July all three chicks were flying
          (Table 4).

          Additional ospreys visited the nest area on 13 of 48 observation periods
          (27%) between 15 April and 28 August. The presence of     an additional
          osprey elicited protective behavior in both the male and  female of the
          breeding pair, who flew to the nest and vocalized loudly. The male
          subsequently followed the visiting osprey out of the area and performed a
          territorial flight display over the pond. The presence of other raptors in
          the area, which were especially numerous in the spring,   generally brought
          little reponse. One exception to this lack of response was the presence of
          two Turkey Vultures (Cathartes-aum) in the vicinity of the nest tree on 30
          May. This date marked the hatch of the first chick, and the adult ospreys
          engaged in distress vocalizations during the vultures' presence.

          On 19 August, the winds of Hurricane Bob blew off the top 90% of the nest,
          but left the tree and the base of the nest intact. Both adults and their
          young continued to use the remaining portion of the nest for both perching
          and feeding through the early part of September.



          FORAGING OBSERVATIONS


          Osprey were observed foraging during 25 of 40 separate observation
          periods. Moody Point, just north of the mouth of the Lamprey River on
          Great Bay, was the site of 61% of the foraging observations. The
          Newington shoreline accounted for 17% of the sightings (Table 5).

                                               42
















          Table 4: Nest chronology in 1991 as compared to 1990





                EVENT              1991        1990        1991        1990
                                   DATE        DATE        DAYS        DAYS





            Male first at nest     3/29        4/03


            Courtship begins       4/03        4/10

            Onset of incubation    4/22        5/02


            Chicks hatch           5/30        6/10         38          39


            Female foraging        7/04        7/25

            Chicks fledge          7/21        8/05         52          56
            End of monitoring      9/02        8/26











                                                43










          Table 5. Osprey foraging activity, 1991



                DATE       LOCATION                     FLIGHT


                4/10       Moody Point                  over bay

                4/11       Stratham                     stocked fire pond

                4/16       Moat Island                  perched & ate fish

                4/17       Moody Point                  over bay

                4/19       Moody Point                  mouth of Lamprey R.
                           Moat Island                  flew north


                5/07       Moat Island                  perched with fish


                5/14       south end                    drifted west


                5/29       Oyster R. mouth              flew south

                6/08       Moody Point                  over pond


                6/14       Fox Point                    flew north


                6/16       Moody Point                  flew up Lamprey R.


                7/01       Lubberland Creek


                7/06       Moody Point
                                 14:51                  flew north toward nest
                                 16:01


                                 16:17
                                 17:11                  flew north toward nest
                                 17:15                  ate at Lamprey R. snag

                                             44a










         7/07             Moody Point
                               17:05                 flew up Squamscott R.
                               17:32                 flew up Lamprey R.
                               17:40                 flew up Lamprey R.
                               18:03                 flew north toward nest


         7/26             Newington                  flew SW across bay

         7/29             Moody Point                two osprey over bay

         7/30             Moody Point
                               07:50                 at mouth of Lamprey R.
                               16:20                 flew north toward nest


         8/06             Moody Point
                               18:46
                               19:08                 flew NE


         8/07             Moody Point
                               17:46
                               17:47                 ate on mud mound


         8/14             Moody Point                two osprey over bay

         8/16             Moody Point
                               14:04                 flew SW, migrating?
                               14:04                 territorial flight
                               16:25                 flew north toward nest
                               16:29                 flew north toward nest


         8/21             Moody Point
                               18:10                 flew north toward nest


         9/02             Back Channel
                               12:30                 adult, migrating?
                               12:45                 immature, soared E



                                           44b










          The coordinated osprey foraging survey on 27 July located two adults. One
          adult was observed as it flew across Adam's Pt. and headed east over the
          Newington shoreline. The second bird was seen along the Newmarket
          shore between Wilcox Pt. and Vol's Island. Observations at the nest site
          confirmed that both adults were out of this area during the time of the
          sightings at Great Bay (Figure 20).

          All observed prey delivered to the nest appeared to be fish 6-14 inches
          long.



          AERIAL SURVEY


          The aerial survey did not reveal any new nest sites.



          DISCUSSION


          The breeding season progressed normally at the Durham nest site. The
          successful fledging of three young in both 1990 and 1991 indicates an
          adequate food supply and good parenting abilities. The hurricane loss of
          90% of the nest cup will enable us to examine nest site tenacity in 1992.
          Ospreys are known to be faithful to their chosen nest sites.

          The continued observations of additional adult ospreys may indicate an
          undetected nest or the potential of an additional nonbreeding pair. The
          success of the Durham breeding pair may well forecast the addition of
          other pairs in this region. Recruitment of the young from this nest is a
          possibility in 1992 as osprey are known to migrate back to the breeding
          grounds in their second year; and, if conditions are suitable to breed in
          their third summer.










                                              45











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                                Figure 20.                           Osprey                Foraging Locations,                                         1991

                                                                                                                                                46













          This year's foraging observations helped to build on preliminary data from
          1990, but we still need to strengthen our knowledge of foraging habitat
          use patterns. The data from both 1990 and 1991 suggest that the mouth
          of the Lamprey River provides important foraging habitat for this breeding
          pair.  Further coordinated simultaneous observations over several days are
          needed to identify consistent patterns.  Coordination of osprey foraging
          observations with New Hampshire Fish and Game's fishing surveys may be
          possible.

          Detection of osprey nests in remote sections of the coastal region is a
          continued challenge. The aerial survey, especially in light of reduced
          flight restrictions, remains the most effective means of searching a large
          area for new nests. The development and distribution of public
          information on osprey in this region could help locate activity.

          Continued productivity of the currently known breeding pair and possible
          further recruitment from an unknown source population will likely
          produce new nests in the coming years. Identification and protection of
          nest sites, preferred perch trees and foraging habitat is critical to the
          successful expansion of this fledgling osprey population.
















                                              47












          Monitoring and management recommendations

                   Conduct annual aerial surveys of the Great Bay estuary system and
                    other coastal area wetlands to detect new nests


                   Monitor annually all known coastal osprey nests to document
                     breeding success of this new population

                   Install predator guards on all newly discovered nests during the
                       first winter after discovery

                   Negotiate for protection of nest sites and adjacent perch trees

                   Conduct coordinated surveys of potential foraging areas

                   Negotiate for protection of important perch trees in area of
                     foraging activity

                   Develop and distribute public information on coastal ospreys



















                                               48














                                      NORTHERN HARRIER



          INTRODUCTION


          Documented nest sites of northern harriers (Circus cyaneus) in New
          Hampshire have occurred primarily north of the White Mountains during
          the past decade. Earlier in the century, harriers were uncommon summer
          residents in the vicinity of Durham (Dearborn, 1903). Reported sightings
          since 1963 suggest possible nesting in the vicinity of Great Bay and
          Hampton Harbor.

          The goals of this project were to confirm any breeding activity in the
          coastal region, document any occupied breeding habitat and to conduct a
          survey of the marsh/upland interface in the Hampton Harbor estuary to
          identify potential nesting areas.



          METHODS


          Project staff and volunteers conducted a field survey for northern harrier
          activity on 8 August, when young of the year should be in the late nestling
          stage or recently fledged. The survey effort focused on areas which
          provide suitable nesting habitat most likely to be occupied and/or from
          which harrier activity has been reported in recent years.

          Several survey techniques were employed. Fixed point surveys covered the
          Hampton Harbor saltmarshes from Depot Road in Hampton Falls and Walton
          Road in Seabrook, the area to the west of Rt. 1A from Odiorne Pt. in Rye,
          and the Greenland - Newmarket section of Great Bay from Moody Point in
          Newmarket; a walking route north along the railroad tracks from Depot
          Road expanded the coverage of the Hampton estuary; a canoe route covered
          the marshes along Tide Mill Creek and Eel Ditch in Hampton and a driving
          route covered fields along the southern and eastern shores of Great Bay in
          Greenland, Stratharn and Newmarket (Figure 21). Data recorded included
          date, time, weather and raptor presence, location and activity observed.
                                               49














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                                                                                   2



            Figure 21.    Northern Harrier Survey Locations, 1991

                                                      50 A










          Project personnel also inspected 24" x 24" black and white aerial
          photographs of the Hampton Harbor estuary, taken in 1981 and available at
          the U.S. Agricultural Stabilization and Conservation Service office in
          Epping, to locate potential northern harrier nesting habitat.  Biologists
          conducted field inspections of the undeveloped saltmarsh edge from
          Walton Landing to Rt. 286;  from Depot Road to Farm Brook in Seabrook;
          from Depot Ave. to Browns   River in Hampton Falls and of several islands in
          the saltmarsh to search for areas of potential nesting habitat too small to
          detect from aerial photos.



          RESULTS


          During the coordinated harrier survey on 8 August, biologists observed a
          female harrier soaring above the salt marshes at Odiorne Point.
          Independent observers documented female harriers over the tern colony at
          Seabrook on 3 and 7 June. A female harrier also was observed at the
          Hampton tern colony on 11 June.     Male and female harriers were seen off
          Moody Point on Great Bay in April and were most likely migrants.
          Observations provided no clues to potential nest locations.

          The aerial photograph inspection identified 10 areas of potential harrier
          nesting habitat. These include two areas in the vicinity of Meadow Pond,
          two patches of old field habitat north of the Drakes River, a pipeline
          corridor extending northeasterly from the sewage treatment plant in
          Hampton, 4 patches of shrubby vegetation along a powerline in the vicinity
          of Hampton Landing in Hampton, and a large shrubby upland area just north
          of the Massachusetts line and just west of the edge of the marsh. The
          field inspection yielded small patches of potential nesting habitat along
          the edge of the marsh which are unlikely to be large enough to attract a
          harrier, and a powerline corridor through an island northeast of Beckman's
          Island in Seabrook.








                                               50












          DISCUSSION


          The results are inconclusive as to whether harriers nested somewhere in
          the Hampton marsh area during the 1991 breeding season. Observations of
          female harriers along the marshes in the early part of June points to the
          possibility that breeding activity did occur. Unlike 1990, however, no
          juveniles were sighted.

          Preliminary investigations indicate that suitable harrier nesting habitat
          does occur in the immediate vicinity of the Hampton/Seabrook marshes.
          Areas identified from the aerial photographs need to be field checked for
          current suitability, since the photographs Were taken 10 years ago. Human
          activity levels and predation vulnerability at these sites also needs to be
          assessed. The powerline corridor on the island in Seabrook may provide
          the most attractive nesting habitat, given its immediate access to
          extensive foraging habitat and isolation from human activity.

          The nature of the salt marsh precludes significant human recreation use,
          thus minimizing human disturbance within the marsh itself. The
          marsh/upland interface, however, is highly vulnerable to disturbance and
          development. Encroachment of development and increased predation
          pressure from dogs and cats along the marsh edge provide increasing
          threats to harriers and other ground nesting birds.  Remaining natural
          habitat along this interface needs protection.  Protection of the upland
          buffers wherever opportunities exist around the edge of the marsh will be
          critical to the future of harrier breeding success in the Hampton and Rye
          marshes.


          Both foraging and nesting habitat are less extensive and more fragmented
          in the vicinity of Great Bay. However, potential breeding areas do still
          exist and deserve continued monitoring.







                                               51











          MONITORING AND MANAGEMEN RECOMMENDATIONS


                - conduct surveys in early May to detect courtship and pre-nesting
                    activity

                - conduct a coordinated survey during the first two weeks of
                    August to detect immature harriers

                - conduct an aerial photograph inspection and field survey of
                    the Rye saltmarshes to identify potential nesting areas.

                -  field check sites identified in aerial photograph inspection of
                    Rye and Hampton marshes to assess current habitat suitability

                - conduct breeding season observations to determine use of the
                    Hampton saltmarsh island by nesting harriers. If harrier use is
                    detected, contact utility to discuss corridor maintenance
                    practices and recommend habitat management strategies to avoid
                    adverse impacts to nesting harriers

                - negotiate protection of any documented nesting areas


















                                              52












                                        PIPING PLOVER



          INTRODUCTION


          The piping plover is a federally listed threatened species along the
          Atlantic Coast and is listed as endangered by the N.H. Fish & Game
          Department (NHFG). Shoreline development and heavy recreational use of
          sandy beaches have contributed to the decline of this species from Maine
          to North Carolina.


          The piping plover nested historically on sandy beaches along the New
          Hampshire coast. The only remaining available habitat consists of a sand
          spit on the southeast shore of Hampton Harbor, adjacent to Route 1A just
          south of the Hampton Harbor bridge, Plovers nested consistently at this
          site from 1951 or before through the early 1970's. A pair was present in
          the spring of 1984, and observed behavior indicated a nesting attempt
          which presumably failed during an extremely high tide. An annual
          monitoring effort has been underway since 1987. Observers documented a
          single bird present on 16 and 20 May 1988, but found no signs of a nesting
          attempt. A single bird was foraging at the site on 23 July 1989, but was
          presumably an early migrant from further north.

          The focus of this project was to monitor the existing breeding habitat for
          piping plover activity and implement management techniques to promote
          nesting.


          STUDY AREA AND METHODS


          The remaining breeding habitat is state-owned and managed by NHFG as
          the Hampton Harbor Wildlife Management Area (Figure.A+ A guard rail
          installed in 1987 prevents vehicular entry, but the area is easily
          accessible on foot and is often used for swimming, sunbathing, windsurfer
          access and shoreline fishing during the summer months. The site includes
          sandy beach, an overwash area, and a small area of dunes which support
          beach grass (Ammophila brevil'giLL=), dusty miller (Artemisia
          stelleriana), and other dune vegetation (Figure 23).











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                              Figure 22.                         Location of Potential Piping Plover Habitat, 1989-91

                                                                                                                                   54







                                                 7 C "ILA:
                    -77                          @!  ;,,
                                            Lc:r!,L



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                                                           a-a                                                             .4u,   n
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                   Figure 23. Potential Piping Plover Habitat,                                   Hampton Harbor, 1989-91















                                                                                    55











          Project personnel surveyed the area on 10 days between 3 April and 15
          June, and volunteers conducted additional surveys. Each visit included a
          walking survey of the beach and dunes and the completion of a site
          summary form including date, time, weather and species observed.



          RESULTS


          No piping plovers were observed during any site visits. No additional
          sightings were reported from other sources.



          DISCUSSION


          The 1991 breeding season brought continued improvement in piping plover
          productivity at sites along the Atlantic coast. The closure of the Parker
          River Wildlife Refuge piping plover habitat during the breeding season,
          along with other intensive management efforts, succeeded in increasing
          productivity in neighboring Massachusetts.   Piping plovers experienced
          increased nesting success in Maine as well. As the regional population
          continues to grow with the support of intensive protection and
          management efforts, colonizing pairs can be expected to reoccupy former
          breeding habitat that remains suitable for nesting.

          Although New Hampshire's breeding habitat experiences moderate
          recreational use in the warmer months, human activity is low in March and
          April and should not present a deterrent to prospecting plovers when they
          first return to set up territories. Visits by migrants in 1988 and 1989
          indicate that the area may still be attractive to plovers. In addition,
          successful nesting of killdeer at this site in 1991 may speak to the
          suitability of the habitat.

          The Hampton Harbor Wildlife Management Area continues to provide viable
          piping plover nesting habitat and has high potential for eventual
          reoccupation. Although intensive management will be necessary to
          support successful nesting here, as at most breeding sites, proven
          techniques are available to promote nesting success.
                                               56












          Monitoring and management recommendations

                - Continue to monitor the site annually during April and May

                - When the site becomes occupied

                      - close area to public access until chicks fledge

                      - protect nest site(s) with predator exclosure(s)

                        conduct public relations campaign, including local
                         presentations and media coverage

                        provide site warden for at least the first several
                        nesting seasons

                - Investigate the feasibility of creating additional nesting
                      habitat with dredge spoils from periodic dredging projects
                   in Hampton Harbor




















                                              57












                                         REFERENCES


          Bent, Arthur Cleveland. 1961. Life Histories of North American Birds of
          Fj@U. Part One. Dover Publications, Inc. New York, N.Y.

          Bird, D.M. 1983. Biology and Management of Bald Eagles and Ospreys.
          Harpell Press. Ste. Anne de Bellevue, Quebec.

          Buckley, F.G. and P.A. Buckley. 1982. Microenvironment al determinants of
          success in saltmarsh nesting Common Terns. Colonial Waterbirds 5: 39-
          48.


          Buckley, P.A. and F.G. Buckley. 1982. Population success and site tenacity
          in saltmarsh Common and Roseate terns. Colonial Waterbirds 5: 57.


          Burger, J. and F. Lesser. 1979. Breeding behavior and success in salt
          marsh Common Tern colonies. Bird Banding 44: 27-55.

          Dearborn, N. 1903. The birds of Durham and vicinity. Contrib. Zool. Lab.
          New Hampshire College of Agr. and Arts #6. Durham, New Hampshire.

          Eriksson, M.O.G. 1986. Fish delivery, production of young and nest density
          of Osprey in southwest Sweden. Canadian Journal of Zoology 64: 1961-5.

          Jackson, C.F. 1947. Notes on the bird population at the Isles of Shoals.
          Bull. Maine Audubon Society 11: 58-66.

          Jamieson, I.G. and N.R. Seymour. 1983. Inter- and intra-specific agonistic
          behavior of Ospreys near their nest sites. Canadian Journal of Zoology 61:
          2199-202.


          Nisbet, I.C.T. 1975. Several effects of predation on a tern colony. Condor
          77: 221-26.


          Poole, A.F. 1985. Courtship feeding and Osprey reproduction. Auk 102: 47c.
          92.


                                              58













          Poole, A.F. 1989. Ospreys : A Natural and Unnatural Hist     Cambridge
          University Press. New York, N.Y.

          Robins, C. Richard, G. C. Ray and J. Douglas. 1986. A Field Guide To the
          Atlantic Coast Fmshes of North America.


          Safina, C., D. Witting and K. Smith. 1989. Viability of salt marshes as
          nesting habitat for Common Terns in New York. Condor 91:571-84.

          Shealer, D.A. and S.W. Kress. 1991. Nocturnal abandonment response to
          Black-crowned Night-Heron disturbance in a Common Tern colony.
          Colonial Waterbirds 14: 51-56.


          Taber, W. 1955. The Isles of Shoals. Bull. Maine Audubon Society 11: 58-
          66.































                                              59






                             US Department of Commerce
                             NOAA Coastal Services Center Library                      :Y
                             2234 South Robson Avenue
                             Charleston, SC 29405-2413



































































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