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


                                                                                                NH 40.5.23



                   Miller, Eileen.                

                     






                             GREAT BAY MIGRATORY SHOREBIRD STUDY




                                    Great Bay Estuarine System Conservation Trust
                                                     P.O. Box 349
                                                  Durham, NH 03824




                                                    October 1991














              The Mew Hampshire Coastal Program provided a grant for the preparation ol 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.
                                         AIX 90AA-H-CZ436
                  QL
                  684
                  N4
                  M55
                  1991                     Eileen and Donald MIller, Biologists
 







                                                                          TABLE OF CONTENTS




                                 MEMODS      ...............................................................................................................I
                                   Observations Fmm the Water           .............................................................................1
                                   Observallons From Land         .....................................................................................2
                                   Days of Oumdon           ............................................................................................3
                                   Information Cdle@ Rom Water and Lwd Observaim                          .................................3


                                RESULTS AND DISCUSSION              ..............................................................  ....................4
                                   Species Otroved       ..................................................................................... ..........4
                                      Species inhabffM this estuarine sMm ancl their rebdm atxmdance                      ............  4
                                      Sernipalmaled plover       ......................................................................................4
                                      KMdeer    ............................................................................................................5
                                      knerkm goklen pbver          ..................................................................................5
                                      IM&-belfied plover       .........................................................................................5
                                      Common snipe       ................................................................................................6
                                      Uplancl sancloper      ...........................................................................................6
                                      Spotted sanclooer      ..........................................................................................
                                                                                                                                        6
                                      Solitaty sandpiper     ...........................................................................................6
                                      Willet. ...............................................................................................................6
                                      Greater ydowlegs       ...........................................................................................7
                                      imserydowlegs        .............................................................................  ..............7
                                      PeCtDrW sandpiper       ..........................................................................................7
                                      L.east sancloper aW semipalmated sancipiper             ................................................7
                                      Dunfin ..............................................................................................................8
                                      &xxt-billed dowitcher      ......................................................................................8
                                   Kbids of Habitats and How Used          .........................................................................8
                                      Ticlal ilab@  ........................................................................................................8
                                      saftmarshes      ....................................................................................................8
                                      Coves and ram inlets         ..................................................................................9
                                      TIM cmeks ancl rivulets      ..................................................................................9
                                      FT#d path 1hroKh trees         .................................................................................9
                                      Fh!sh-watBr and occasionallonundated saft Mx1s.                .......................................9
                                   Human Irdience       ..................................................................................................9
                                   Spedk Locations and How They Are Used                ........................................................ 10
                                      SquamscDtt Rim Complex SOR              ......................................................  .............. 10
                                      &xMwast Great Bay Canplex SEGB               .............................................................. 10
                                      Salmon Falls/Cochem Cc)rnplex SFCR              ........................................................... 10
                                      Other areas    ...................................................................................................... 11
                                   Species Other Than Shorebkds           ........................................................................... I I
                                      Hcxseshoe aabs       .............................................................................................. I I
                                      Other birds   ....................................................................................................... 11









                                 OVERVIEW DISUCCSION          ....................................................................................... 12
                                 Management Options for Shorebirds       ................................................................... 12
                                    Protection of Habitat     ........................................................................................ 12
                                    Monitoring guidelines    ..................................................................................... 13
                                    Importance of communication and cooperation
                                           across political boundaries     ..................................................................... 14
                                    Management of habitat    ........ .................................................................. 14
                                 Additional Shorebird Research               .................................................................. 14


                                 LITERATURE CITED         ................................................................................................ 14


                                 MAPS
                                 1 Study Area on the Great Bay Estuary            ..............................................................A
                                 2. Study Area, location of towns and states       ..........................................................B
                                 3. Study Area, 2 levels of broad scale sub-areas         ..................................................N
                                 4. Location of some area- some important complexes
                                           Roman numeral areas       ............................................................................0
                                 5. Sernipalmated plow      .......................................................................................P
                                 6. Black-bellied plover   ..........................................................................................Q
                                 7. Common snipe      .................................................................................................R
                                 8. Spotted sandpiper     ...........................................................................................S
                                 9. Solitary sandpiper            ............................................................................................T
                                 10. Pectoral sandpiper       ...........................................................................................U

                                 TABLES
                                 1 Field Work-dates, location,time,means,man hours,care mileage  ..................... C-L
                                 2. Relative abundance of 16 species of shorebirds observed
                                        in the Great Bay Estuary, July 1990 to June 30,1991             .................................M
 







                                          GREAT BAY MIGRATORY SHOREBIRD STUDY




                                                        Eileen and Donald Miller
                                                           Wildlife Biologists
                                                                  for
                                           The Great Bay Estuarine System Conservation Trust



                     The Purpose of this project was to investigate shorebird use of the Great Bay Estuary during fall and
                     spring migratory periods.  The estuary has  been largely overlooked in relation to information on
                     shorebird use perhaps because of difficult access and long driving distances between observation
                     points with little view of water in between.  Bird watchers have traditionally looked for shorebirds near
                     the ocean and this is where most of the records are from. During the Now Hampshire Fish and
                     Game department's Great Bay inventory and survey of flora and fauna 14 shorebird species were
                     identified (New Hampshire fish and grame department 1981, 1982) during weekly all-species bird
                     courts of approximately 15 minutes each from 22 sites In 1980-1981 and 13 sites in 1981-1982
                     and once-a-month boat trips during 8 months on the Squarnscott, Lamprey, Bellamy, Cocheco, and Salmon Falls rivcers in 1980-1981.

			   The study area included all portions of the estuary within New Hampshire except thge portion of the Piscataqua River south of the entrance to little Bay and th etidal portion of the Squarnscott River upriver from the 108 bridge (map 1 and 2). Some work was done on the Maine side of the rivers. Several occasionally-inundated salt ponds and a tiny fresh water farm pond located 1 mile east of the Squarnscott River in Stratham (Agway Pond) were included. The field work was initiated in July and continued until November 30, 1990 for the fall migratory period and started in March and continued into June 1991 for the spring migratory period.

			   Methods

			   Observations from the water

			   Observations were made from a boat, propelled by a 20 horsepower motor, oars or wind/water; canoe, propelled by paddles or wind/water; or a sailboat. Mostly there were two persons on board, occasionally one. With two people, one took major responsiblity of scanning the intertidal areas and the other of maintaining location of craft and speed and firection of travel. This second person also	

took responsibility foir observing flying birds. When one person was in boat, all tasks were done by one person. The number of people aboard was noted for analysis of data.

Shoreline of Great Bay, Little Bay and the rivers were followed. Travel distance from shoreline and/or exposed intertidal areas depended on balancing several factors including:

1. maximizing chance to see the birds without disturbing their behavior,
2. depth of water and rocks,
3. wind parameters and water flow
4. visibility
5. phase of tide

Tidal creeks of all sizes were investigated when possible. On most river, observations by the shoreline observer were primarily directed to one side of the river, which side and hwere were noted. If a particular trip went two directions on a segment of river, the opposite side was thoroughly scanned on the second passage.

When necesary, the craft was halted, anchored, landed or cirlces to maximize gathering of information. At appropriate areas the craft was anchored and a stretch of shoreline was observed by both people to facilitate observations of use and movement in the area. Standing on land or on craft was employed for better visibility at times.

Scanning was done with binoculars, eyes alone or spotting scope depending on distance, wind, light, and precipitation. Two methods of scanning, steady scanning and segment staring, were used. Steady scanning involves moving eyes along area to be covered while segment staring involves looking at segments in succession. A segment, for example, could consist of the width of the field of a pair of binoculars. If the viewer is moving, as in a boat, segment staring takes advantage of the changing lights and shadows on objects making it easier to pick out sought after objects and, secondly, obstacles such as a plant, rock or subtle topographical change, are less of a barrier when seen from more than one angle. Also, whether or not the viewer is moving, movement of a bird is more likely seen with this latter method.

Generally, the shoreline observer would look ahead of a perpendicular line to the shore. When entering a cove, the secondary observer would check th eother side for any birds moving out of the cove.

Observations from land

Observations were made from land to supplement observartions from water. Several different kinds of places and reasons for observation were made.

	1. Areas with concetrations of numbers or species
	2. Selected areas of observation used in NH Fish and Game Reports (1981,1982)
	3. Areas difficult to view adequately from boat at certain tides
	4. Testing areas for use in a monitor program
															2

	5. Land observations while doing boat work as listed above
	6. To determine when more extensive observations should start in the spring

Note: Some areas were used for more than one of the listed reasons.

Days of Observations

Observations were made from the water on 11 days in July, 14 days in August, 13 days in September, 13 days in October and 10 days in November. Observations were also made from land on most of these days and were also made on four additional days in July, 11 in August, 13 in September, 13 in October and 14 in November. During the spring migration, observations were made from land on seven days in the last half of March, while in April observation were made on 18 days including 15 boat and canoe days. In the tail end of the season in June observations were made on eight days (Table 1).

Information Collected From Water and Land Observations

Data were collected and recorded during July through June during observations from water and land included:

	1. species
	2. numbers of individuals
	3. activites/behavior
	4. substrate
	5. date, time, tide
	6. temperature, wind, cloud cover
	7. specific location
	8. areas of intense horseshoe crab egg laying
	9. observations of other species of particular concern, such as bald eagles, osprey, harriers, terns herons, bittern and rails, were noted

Specific locations were recorded on map segments xeroxed from the NOAA Marine Chart #13825 onto 8 1/2 x 11 inch paper. In addition, data on baot traffic, other human use of the estuary, and timing of high and low tides for specific places in the estuary were collected.

To facilitate snalysis of data, locations in the estuary were broken down with a four-leved hierarchical system. We decided it didn't make sense to divide th shoreline up by distance because of the many coves, inlets etc. Instead we tries to maintain coves and marshes as units and divisions were based on ecological and some practical considerations. The two highest levels are shown on Map 3. Third and fourth levels were added as needed. A specific point on a map completed the record. Nine areas were additionally given a Roman numeral. (map 4)

													3

We attempted to examine all available types of habitat in the stuary without prejucide from preconceived ideas and to examine these areas at different parts of the tidal cycle and time of day. In recording data, we did not just take tabulated data but more complex information which might give us a better understanding about how the shorebirds and other birds of interest use the estuary. In times and places of great activity, we gave priority to shorebirds and to the perceived greatest gain of information at the time. We tried various approaches to getting information on bird numbers and use in order to evaluate different possibilities for monitoring.

Data collected on all species will be stored in the New Hampshire Fisah and Game Department's computerized Fish and Wildlife information System.

RESULTS AND DISCUSSION

Species Observed

		Species inhabiting this Estuarine System and Their Relative Abundance

Sbdeen species of shorebirds were identified during the study period. Relative abundance of these species is shown on Table 2. The most widely distributed shorebirds, spotted snadpiper, greater and lesser yellowlegs and killdeer were foundf in every major unit (Map 3, Areas 1-8).

				Semipalmated Plover

	Observed in the estuary 8/17/90 to 9/17/90.

This species was seen in 4 areas north of Little Bay and at one site in Great Bay (Map 5).

The highest numbers of this species seen at one time and place were estimated from counts to be 100 plus on August 17 and more than 200 on August 18. On both dates they were in aggregations of 425 to over 500 shorebirds feeding on a sandy mud flat in 8-A (viii) in the Salmon Falls River. The other principal species seen here were black-bellied plovers and two kinds of peeps (semi-palmated and least sandpipers).

These plovers appeared to use the estuary for only a relatively brief time during thre fall migration and were not seen during spring migration. The NH Fish and Game studies (1981, 1982) did not report this species.

Most of our observations were of plovers feeding on flats with variable elevation, which were exposed for a longer period of time than other flats. On the Bellamy River some were feeding in tiny rivulet areas near the edge of low salt marsh. One individual was observed resting on a small island in a panne in 3-B(iv) on 2 seperate days, the only observations in the southern portion of the estuary.

In the fall of 1991 this species was again observed on the Salmon Falls and Chocheco sites as well as on flats exposed along Fresh Creek, also located in 6-A.

									4






		This species was observed to arrive first at exposed tidal flats, landing as the flat became exposed.  They
		also were the last shorebirds to leave, remaining even when the water was washing over the last
		remnants of flat.

									Killdeer

			Observed in the estuary 3/16 to 10/6

		This species was widely distributed over the survey area from north to south and east to west.
		However the distribution was clumped and appeared to reflect the nearby upland land use such as
		extensive fields,golf courses,and large mowed areas like at the Cocheco River sewage treatment
		plant. Areas 8-B,2-B,2-C and the upper and lower Cocheco River were some of the areas with
		greater use.

		Killdeer were seen feeding on tidal flats and resting and feeding in high marsh areas.

		The largest number of killdeer were observed during the fall migration from mid-September through
		the first week of October.  Flocks of 8,11,13,14 and 20 were observed during this period.

								American Golden Plover

		One golden plover flew into vii on the lower Cocheco River with a flock of black-belied plovers on
		9/11/90.  One individual was seen during the Fish and Game studies in 4-C (1981,1982).

								Black-bellied Plover

			Observed in the estuary 5/19-5/30 and 7/31-9/30.

		In spring, these plovers were primarily found in the southeastern corner of Great Bay at 2-B and C
		and the recently cultivated corn field 1/4 mile uphill and east. (Map 6). We had observed the plovers
		feeding along the tide line near the golf course as the water rose from very low.  When the water rose
		near the low marsh, groups of plovers flew along shore, cut through an opening in the trees and flew
		up to the field.  There they appeared to be capturing earthworms.  More than 150 were counted in the
		corn field area on 5/23 along with 8 short-billed dowagers which had also been hunting on the
		mudflats.  The black-bellied plovers were observed feeding in this corn field on two separate days and
		were also seen on another recently plowed field 1/4 mile farther east toward the ocean.

		In the fall migration, black-bellied plovers were observed in large numbers at the north end of the
		estuary, where they were also seen in small numbers in the spring.  On 8/17 a count of 109 was
		made at viii, along with 100+ semipalmated plovers and 264 peeps.  The plovers fed over the large
		flat, mostly on the top surface until it was almost covered by water, and then most of them flew west
		into New Hampshire to the Cocheco River to feed for an additional 30 or more minutes in tidal flat vii.
		This same general movement pattern continued for several weeks and was repeated again this fall
		(1991).  Almost twice the number of shorebirds recorded on any one day during the study period
		were seen using these sames areas on 9/8/91.  
 
  	   		



																		5
																					









									Common Snipe

				Observed in the estuary 4/18 to 5/8 and 8/17 to 10/24.

			It was found at 5 sites in the estuary, all on Great Bay and the Squarnscott River (Map7).

			In the spring at least 29 were seen for several days in the salt marsh in 8-B near Chapman's Landing.
			They were present near dusk, and the next morning near dawn.  The only way we could see them
			was when they started making very short and low flights across the marsh.  They didn't land in
			pannes so generally they disappeared as soon as they landed.  Most of our other sightings were of 1
			to 3 individuals.

			In the Fish and Game report, one snipe was reported.  It was seen on the Bellamy River 6-B.  An area
			on the south side of Oyster River was reported to have been used by snipe in the past.  Dearborn
			(1903) reported that they "visit the Newmarket marshed at Great Bay every season,".

									Upland Sandpiper

			One individual of this endangered species was seen displaying in suitable habitat adjacent to salt
			marsh on April 30 and was seen again in the same area on May 3.

									Spotted Sandpiper

				Observed 5/3-10/26

			This species was widely distributed throughout the study area (Map 8).  It was particulary found in
			areas of sand, gravel or undercut banks along rivers.  There was a high density of them along the
			Winnicut River in the salt marshes, along the sandy shore of the northern part of 4-D, and along the
			upper part of the Cocheco River.

									Solitary Sandpiper

				Observed in the estuary 4/27 to 5/7 and 8/3 to 11/4

			This species was found in places spread over the estuary.  It was observed in panne areas of salt
			marsh, at salt pools which only occasionally get inundated by the tide, on an island, in a tidal creek,
			on an island and at smaller mud flats (Map 9).  It likely was in additional similar sites.  It was also
			observed at Agway Pond.  This species was seen in numbers up to 3 at a site.  It was observed 6
			times in the Fish and Game reports (1981,1982).

										Willet

			Four willets were reported seen in ix by volunteers.  	







																		6









								Greater Yellowlegs

			Observed in the estuary 3/19 to 5/29 and 7/16 to 11/16

		This species and the spotted sandpiper were the most commonly found shorebirds.  It was distributed
		over most of the estuary.  It used pannes for resting and feeding at high tide and dispersed over the
		estuary at lower tides feeding on recently exposed flats and into the water up to breast height.  They
		were seen at the fresh-water Agway Pond and occasionally-inundated ponds.  They used a variety of
		hunting methods and captured a variety of organisms.  Main concentrations of 30 or more were seen
		in spring, and in fall the higher concentrations were seen at the end of October and beginning in
		Novermber. 

								Lesser Yellowlegs
			Observed in the estuary 4/30 to 5/14 and 7/11 to 10/14.
		
		In fall they arrived earlier and left earlier than the greater yellowlegs. There were high concentrations
		at i 8/23 and 8/24. On the latter day 62 were counted at one time. There were probably more
		present. This species was seen at the Agway Pond. They tended to remain together when in the
		presence of greater yellowlegs. Although distributed over the estuary, they were found in
		considerably less places than the greater yellowlegs.


								Pectoral Sandpiper
			Observed in the estuary 8/49-10/30.

		This species was not observed in the spring and was primarily seen during October, mostly in the
		Great Bay area (Map 10). One or two individuals were seen at a time.
		Two were seen at the Agway Pond. The Fish and Game study (1981,1982) reported one observation
		of 9 birds at Bunker Creek (5-B).

								Least Sandpiper and Semipalmated Sandpiper
			Observed in the estuary 4/26 to 5/23 and 7/15 to 10/21

		Both species were distributed throughout the estuary. They made up the largest flocks of shorebirds
		seen on the estuary. The largest concentration of semipalmated sandpipers was found in the SFCR
		complex (Map 4) particularly in 8-A and 8-C. The least sandpipers particularly used this complex
		also, especially 8-B. They were mostly seen on mudflats in this area. The SEGB complex was
		particularly used by the least sandpiper especially in the area of the saltmarshes associated with the
		Winnicut River and tidal brooks. They were seen using the mud banks of the streams, Salicomia
		areas, pannes and among the Spartina During spring most "peeps" seen were least sandpipers.




																			7



								Dunlin

		One dunlin was reported by a volunteer during the study. During the fall 1991 a small group was
		seen at i on the Squamscott and 1989 in 8-C.


								Short-billed Dowitcher

				Observed in the estuary 5/21 and 8/13 to 8/30.

		Short-bill dowitcher were seen only once in spring, 8 birds feeding on mud flats together with
		black-bellied plovers at iii. When the plovers flew up to the corn field, the dowithcers went also.
		In fall they were seen at i and iv feeding intensively in pannes.
		All these sites are in the southern end of the estuary. However, on 8/3/91 they were seen on the tidal
		flat viii.

		Kinds of Habitats and How Used

								Tidal Flats

		Shorebirds feed and and rest on tidal flats throughout most the estuary.  However, some areas are
		used intensively while others receive only sporatic use and there may be areas that are not used at
		all. If we didn't visit a site at the "right" time in relation to tide, time of season, we wouldn't
		have observed use. The extensive tidal flats of Great Bay appeared to receive little use in relation to
		the vast area exposed. Instead, overall, feeding areas at low tide were mostly strung out close to
		shore, along rivers and in tidal creeks. Some flats have extensiver areas that are so flat that the
		whole area gets exposed and flooded quickly when the water is at a certain height, others have more
		relief which produces a different pattern of exposure. This difference to affect bird usage.
		
								Salt Marshes

		High marsh habitats are used mostly during high tide as resting and feeding sites. Some shorebirds
		like killdeer and common snipe appear to use these habitats irrespective of the tidal phase.


		Pannes are key habitats for most shorebirds especially if positioned well among the tidal flats.
		Pannes with small vegetated islands and a combination of shallow bays, open pools and
		interconnecting canals seem to be preferred over more continuous, deep pools. The presence of
		large amounts of wrack and/or surface algae reduces usage as does high water. These conditions
		vary with seasons,rainfall, wind and extreme tides.

		Areas supporting Salicomia are also useful to shorebirds, especially peeps. These sparsely
		vegetated and slightly depressed sites are used for feeding, resting and hiding.

		
																		8


The tidal flat/low marsh ecotone areas seem to be especially attractive to many of the shorebirds.In the spring we could 
observe,from an elevated position,birds moving through the short growing steme of Spartina alternaflora. We don't know 
how much of ths occurs when te marsh grass is tall and rank.We do see shorebirds drop in behind fringe salymarsh areas.This 
behavior serves as an escape from human disturbance.There frequently seems to be open areas near the shorline.Ice-rafted salt marsh
is utilized by shorebirds. On tidal flats they are used as a resting and feeding sites and for protection from wind. Also 
on marshes, the rafts provide protection.

Coves and Narrow inlets 

Coves and narrow inslets provide different kinds of situations for shoreline birds and other species of birds.Depending on their 
orientation and width they provide shelter from various weather conditions and human water-related activity, and exposure to 
sunshine during various parts of the day.

Tidal Creeks and Rivulets 

All sizes of waterways down to the tiniest rivulet are selected as feeding sites and mouths of all sizes of waterways appear to 
be preffered. unfortunately in some places runoff from new development has been transporting silt and depositing it on 
mud flats and in rivers.

Flight Paths Trough trees

When flying from place to place, shorelinebirds frequently follow waterways flying anyhwere from just above water level to above 
tree level. However, at  times, when leaving a site, they rise up and go overland which frequently means flying over trees.
In at least 7 different places we saw them fly through a place where there was an opening between the taller trees. 

Fresh-water Occasionally-indundated Salt ponds

Small salt ponds which rarely get inundated are frequently used during high tide.The Agway pond is well used and has been for years.
It may be an alternate site during high tide for some species. 

Human Influence

Boat traffic ids much more frequent during high tide when the birds are in the marshes whereas, when the birds are along the 
flats there tends to be less boat traffic.We have frequently noted that the birds fly to behind the fringe salt marsh for cover when there 
is disturbance in the area.Furthermore, a number of the well-used pannes are situated back near the uplands.If homes are built near
the shoreline, this kind of refuge can be comprimised. Dogs and cats were seen traveling along the shoreline.Dogs were observed 
to cause reactions by the shorbirds. Shorebirds can hbituate to a fair amount of activity at times when there at site iv. However, 
at times even a t the site, they flush because of human activity. At many homes along the bay, piles of grass clippings, raked leaves,
brush, trees,etc. are dumped on the banks or on salt marshed.


Specific Locations and How they are Used

Squamscott River Complex SQR (Map 4)

This is a rich site for shorbirds in both spring and fall because of the number of species and also the number of individual which use it
The panne area behind Chapman's landing provides a high tide refuge. Birds come into and out of this panne area from both upstream and downstream.
There are also additional high tide sites in this area which are used simultaneously with the major site, Many of these pannes areas
are back from the river and close to the woodlands. During low tide, birds use the extensive upstream areas south of route 108
(out of our study area)in addition to areas down stream.Some flocks also been observed flying northwest from Chapman"s landing.
We havent been able to dertermine where they go. Downstream there are low tide feeding areas on the Squamscott and it the spring,
particularlt at the mouth of the lamprey on the south shore.

Southeast Great Bay Complex SEGB

this is a rich site in spring and fall with multiple species and some higher numbers. During low tide there is some limited use of 
the Great Bay tidal flats. Much more feeding occurs near the mouths of the Winnicut River and Pickering Brook including both 
sides of Pierce Point and up the tidal creeks and rivers. The shorebirds cross over the Portsmouth Golf Course between these 2 waterway
systems. High marsh with pannes are used by resting and feeding birds. Also part of the complex is agricultural fields to the east 
which were mentioned in species writeups.Three miles to the east is Sagamore Creel near the Ocean which is on a tide cycle 
several hours different from this area.We don't know if the shorebirds take advantage of this difference.We have seen shorebirds
flying east from the corn field.


Salmon Falls/Cocheco Complex SFCR

This is a rich site in the fall during the low part of the tidal cycle. The large sandy mud flat (viii)harbors a high number 
of feeding birds. They move between this tidal flat, flats and fringe marsh up the Salmon Falls River,tidal flats(vii) on the Concheco
River just west of the big flat (viii), and up the Cocheco River to tidal flats and frings marshes to near the upper tidal limits, and 
up Fresh Creek.Because these rivers and fresh Creel are so close, there are a numberr of alternative  feeding sites very close. 
Furthermore, the Salmon falls and Cocheco river are on Somewhat different tidal schedule. Flocks of shorebirds regularly fly directly 
between vii and vii over the point of land seperating the two river.They generally fly through a gap in the taller trees. The 
flats at vii stay above the incoming tide for about 30-45 minutes longer than the flats at vii. We have been trying to find out here 
there birds are comming from.A number of them fly in small flocksup the Piscataqua River.Some stop temperarily at a tidal wetland
area south of viii We have backtracked to below Sturgeon Creek (7-B)and still see flocks.We have been unable to detect flying 
down Sturgeon Creek.At first we considered the possibility that they were coming from North Mill pond in the Portsmouth area since 
there is a lag in time of low tide. However, North Mill pond also has a lag from published Portsmouth tides. In SPCR we have not 
found  high tide sites nera these tidal flats.We have seen black-bellied plovers flying from 8-C ao 8-A just as the mud flats 
were beginning to be 



0






                     exposed. Could they be coming from fields in to area? This complex is a very rich site for not only
                     shombirds but other birds using the estuary, particularly osprey.

                                                                Other Areas

                     Site ix appears to be a hub for area 3-A. The south shore of the mouth of the Lamprey River is an
                     ovixiap low tide area for 3-A mid for SOR. Site iv and nearby areas appear to act as a high tide hub
                     for 3-B, 3-D, 3-C, and perhaps parts of 4-A, 4-D and 3-E Shorebirds use 3-F and move all through
                     this area and Into at least part of 3-E There are high and low tide areas. We did not find as many as
                     we would have          . Area 5 is another area that has high and low tide areas that are used, but
                     rot to the degree we might: sped There have been a number of areas in 5 which haw put sift
                     into the river in the last few years. We observed lower numbers in Area 6-A than one might expect
                     Sow shorebirds  leaving SFCR have been seen flying overland in the direction of 6-B and C.

                             Species Other Than Shorebirds


                                                             Horseshoe Crabs

                     From our observabons, horseshoe crabs appear to Start laying eggs in May in this area. This major
                     egg-laying period does coincide with the presence of migrating shorebirds. Egg-laying horseshoe
                     crabs and/or egg-laying sites were found in sand, mud and salt marsh peat Two areas with the
                     densest individual laying sites that we found were in the north end of 4-D and the west end of 3-F.
                     Both of these sites contained coarse sand. No shorebird activity was noted at a site during egg-
                     lying activity. Area 4-D is an important spatted sandpiper site. At west 3-F we found low shorebird
                     activity overall. The area looked like the kind of place we should have found more activity.
                     Horseshoe crabs still are hying eggs in July when the birds return. We did not detect any obvious
                     relationship between feeding sites and egg-laying sites. Horsest0m crab eggs could be a food item
                     but 0we did not find evidence that they are a map food source. Spotted sandpipers could be using
                     It0w as a food source.

                     In 1990, before the study started, we did some prelirninary counts of horseshoe crabs. Counts in
                     1991 seemed to indicate kiss horseshoe crabs. In June they stopped appearing in areas where they
                     prevously had been coming in to lay eggs. We dont know what happened to them. Lobster
                     fishermen remarked on their absence. Since horseshoe crabs don't mature until after eight year, a
                     loss of immature horseshoe crabs may not be detected for years.

                                                                Other

                     Information was collected on other birds mentioned above. Osprey were seen in all eight areas. The
                     most important areas were 8-A,B,C and 1-A, Area 8-C and Fresh Creek were used as a unit by
                     osprey The red most Important sites were the Bellamy River and the Oyster River. Bald eagles
                     were seen on the Cocheco River, in Little Bay and Great Bay. Marsh hawks were seen in Royalls,
                     Cove (6-A), Johnson Creek (5-C) and hunting in all parts of 1-B. We didn't record any rails or
                     bitterns, however, a volunteer reported a bittern. Black-crowned night herons were especially seen in
                     the upper end of the tidal portion of the Cocheco, Bellamy and Lamprey Rivers. Green-backed heron
                     were frequently seen especially on the rivers and tidal creeks. Great-blue herons were seen at


                                                              I I


0






                      specific sites in every area 1-8. Glossy Ibis were seen in various places in S0OR and at iv. Snowy
                      Egrets were parlticularly seen in 8-A and 1-13. In addition, families of am visited to mud flats at
                      specific placee, hunting.



                      OVERVIEW DISCUSSION

                      The estuary is a whole system arid all units of habitat no matter how small play a role in the daily
                      rhythm of use by shorebirds, With tie exception of existing concentrated human settlements, most of
                      the estuary Is available for shorebird use, It only for short periods at some sites. The Important point
                      here is that all units of natural habitat serve as primary or alternate shes for use and reduction of even
                      alternate feed1ing and/or resting sites (or portions 40 would have an impa6d To illustrate, the dosing
                      of a small local grocery store in a small rural community doesn't Met a mass movement out of the
                      community, but it sure impacts the quality of 12% for some rnembers of the community. R may
                      discourage newcorners to the community because they would have to travel too far for groceries.
                      Shorebirds, like all wildfife, are keenly aware of their surroundings and are constantly adapting to
                      physical changes in tar environment, often forcing them to use alternate, and less desirable
                      habtitats. When does the marginal habitat become uninhabitable for an individual, a flock or a
                      population?

                      it must be remembered that just because we didn't find use in an area doesn't mean tot area is not
                      used. This study only covered one year. There can be lairge variations from year to year.


                      Mangement options for Shorbirds

                                                            1 . Protection of

                      The productivity of the Estuarine systern needs to  be protected through land we planning, education
                      of shoreland owners and town planning offials, arid shoreland protection measures. Several
                      specific points come up. Adjacent and nearby lands also provide needed habitat such as plowed
                      fields, fresh-weiler ponds and sorne of the 1209 salt ponds that are only inundaiBd occasionally.
                      Maintenance of these kinds of areas need Io be encouraged through education of and agreernents
                      with owners, easements or purchase. Secondly, a buffer between normal everyday human and pet
                      activity and the shorebirds and resting areas would be helpful. Thirdly, although there is
                      some public recognition that the shores of Great Bay, Uttle Bay and the tidal dvers need protection,
                      there appears to be a general lack  understanding about the tidal creeks arid the importance of
                      protecting them. Since the estuary is spread over a wide area it gets very confusing for most people
                      to understand how various little, and for that matter large, waterways are connected to each other
                      and how water and soil misuse even in these areas affect the Bay Runoff from some recent housing
                      developments arid highway construction is carrying sit into some d the tidal river. Town master
                      plans freuently don't adequately address tidal areas, particularly tidal creeks.

                      Two sites (i and iv) would make excellent birdwatching places for education and recreation if
                      handled very carefully. Information about procetion of the habitat, etc. could be introduced.


                                                                                                                        12
 

						2. Monitoring Guidelines

One of our main objectives was to develop ideas on how to monitor these shorebirds in the estuary. This
population is the kind that could kist "melt away" before most people realize it. They reflect the
productivity of the estuary system because they are highly influenced by the ready availability of food.

The most important considerations of a monitoring scheme for the estuary is timing of observations
according to the tide cycle, the location and position of observers, duration of the observation and
the number of replications during the key periods of the spring and fall migrations.

According to our information, this monitoring period for most shorebirds would be 4/5 and 5/15 and
8/15 to 10/15. In general this would cover the important migration periods. Replication of 
observation periods at each site should be about 5 days apart during the entire survey period, but at
least within one week intervals. Ideally, a combination of observations from land and water would 
yield to most complete information. Also, the important concentration sites at key pannes and tidal 
flats should be timed to the tide cycle when each habitat is most attractive. Additionally, timing should
be related to the time it is easier to see the birds, for example. when they're flying into the area or
when they're concentrated in a part of a flat that is easier to see. Our specific data can be used to 
help calculate this. Each site should be observed during a continuous 40 to 60 minute period but no 
less that 30 minutes. In most cases the shorebirds are arriving and departing from key sites, or
flushing and landing within the site and therefore observations by at least 2 coordinating individuals at 
the same site are suggested for a thorough survey. From the water 2 observers are essential as one
must constantly be responsible for the boats position and movements. Perhaps the key to success of 
any survey on land or water is to minimize reactions of the birds to the observers. Accurate complete
notes are essential to any monitor effort and a tape recorder would be helpful.
Besides information on numbers and species, data on direction of flight, time, wather, condition of
pannes and changes in the area in relation to human development should be collected.

The 3 complexes listed need to be included in the monitoring. These are by no means the only 
productive sites. Other areas of use, sampling other hubs of activitys, should be included. Observers s
should be constantly aware of shorebird movements and to assess their position or location to make
optimum observation, while at the same time keeping in mind it is important to have observation 
locations and methods which are standard from year to year. Aerial photos of tidal flats in SFCR
may be an effective way to count birds using that area. Monitoring spotted sandpipers needs to be
done by boat before the adults start losing their spots. Productivity and areas of use can be
recorded. Several other non-shorebird species should be monitored at the same time such as green-
backed herons, belted kingfisher and osprey. Annual surveys using these species could be a good 
indicators of changes in the estuary.

There are definite spring/fall differences in shorebird use of northern and southern portions of the
estuary. Especially during fall, the two portions should be monitored simultaneously.

In addition to the above, perhaps an "Adopt a Site" system could be established to add another
dimension. People who reside on the estuary and are interested in birds could keep records on a 
particular site. Other areas besides the areas of concentration are important. Because of the nature

																13

of use by the birds of much of this long strung out habitat, this kind of information would round out
the monitoring scheme. We found that data kept by our volunteers on this kind of basis could be very
useful. Also, by keeping track of shorebird use on or adjacent to their shoreline area they are more
likely to detect changes and to observe migrant arrivals and departures. A carefully planned network
of resident shorebird observers in the estuary with a few planne observation sites could become the
most practival way of monitoring the estuary. Other interested birdwatchers could also be very
helpful.

		3. Importance of Communication and Cooperation Across Political Boundaries

In the SFCD complex, the large tidal flat where a major concentration of birds occurs is in Maine,
however, many of the sites in this complex used by these same birds are in New Hampshire. Four
towns and two states border this complex. A decision made by one state or town could affect the
whole system. The SQR site includes 4 towns.

						4. Management of Habitat

The newly acquired land in 6-B by the state may, or could be, very useful for shorebirds. Decisions
on the management of that land could enhance shorebird habitat. Communication about the timing
and location of mowing with the owner of the property where the upland sandpiper was displaying
would enhance usage by that species and other shorebirds using that area.

Additional Shoreline Research Needs

There are questions that need to be answered to interpret monitoring data. For example:
	Where do the birds come from in SFCR?
	Do the birds in SEGB also use the ocean coastline habitats?
	Why is there low use of the Great Bay mudflats? food availability?	
	Why are some areas that look good used very little or are they?
	Location of other important fields, salt and frsh-water ponds?
	Location of other high tide roosts?
	How discrete are the activity areas we proposed?
	Will the patterns show in other years?
There is also a need for additional information on the shorebirds in the parts of the estuary we didn't
cover and the rest of the coast in New Hampshire.

The disappearance of horseshoe crabs this past summer is disturbing. More information on this
population is needed?


LITERATURE CITED

Dearborn, N., 1903. The birds of Durham and Vicinity. Contrib. Zool. Lab. NH College of Agric. and
Arts, Durham

																	14






		New Hampshire Fish and Game Department. 1981. Inventory of the natural resources of Great Bay
		Estuarine System. Volume 1. NH Fish and Game Dept., Concord. 254 pp.

		New Hampsite Fish and Game Department. 1982. Great Bay Estuary monitoring survey, 1981-
		1982. NH Fish and Game Dept., Concord. 199 pp.


















																	15








                               MgLp I


                                       81, 7!wme ros n
                                    lProm1h
                                    Creek
                             C$rlfterco

                                 Pis
                                    Yavtae,guft

                          Bc
                           River





                                             Creek








                    Y
                      iv,er






          Study Area on the
          Great Bay
          Estuary



                  rey
                3VILI eE r



                                                    1 M He






                    Sr
                        =Scott              Pickering
                                 Wi,nnirtui  Brook
                                   ]Rive3r



                                                            A
 m








                                   Map 2.
                                            NEW HAMPSHIRE        MAINE






                                                  Rollinaford


                                                       Dove
                                                               South
                     STUDY AREA IN THE                         Berwick
                     GREAT BAY ESTUARY




                         Location of towns
                            and states








                                              Dove



                                       Ourharn















                                Durham


                      Newmarket                    Newington

                                -0








                                   Greenland
                   Newfiel   Strathom


                                                                         B













                                                                        TABLE I



                      Field Work for Shorebird Study




                      Segment of estuary- lists segment(s) of study area in which majority of work done that day
                        GB Great Bay, Lamprey River, Squamscott River, Winnicut River
                        LB Little Bay, Oyster River, Bellamy River
                        PR Upper Piscataqua., Salmon Falls River, Cocheco River


                      Man hours- Includes all time spent on field work including boat maintenance etc,. by Don and Kitty
                      Nfiller including their volunteer time. Volunteer time of others not included here.


                      Means- How fieldwork was done that day. If "land" is listed then no work was done from wate          r, only
                      from land, whereas on many days on which work was done from water, there was frequently work also
                      done from land but is not listed as such.

                      Miles - Car mileage
                                                                          dULY



                                       DATE         GB LB PR              HOURS           MEANS            MILES

                                        July 7        x                      5.0             boat            18.4

                                            8         x                      6.0             boat            18.4

                                            10                                 1.3           land            27.A

                                            11                               10.1            boat            44.8

                                            13        x                      11.2            canoe           44A

                                            14              x                8.0             canoe           20.0

                                            15                     x 1       7.2             canoe           22.0

                                            17              x                12.0            boat            18.4

                                            18              x      x         1.0             land            4.6

                                            19                               12.0            boat            18.4

                                            23              x                14.2            boat            22.4

                                            24        x                      2.0             land      I     21A

                                            31              x      x         16.0      1     boat            22.4

                                        Total Monthly Hours - 106
                                        Total Monthly Miles          299





                                                                                                                                    C










                                                                        AUGUST



                                        DATE         GB LB PR              HOURS             MEANS         MILES

                                         Aug I         x                      3.5            land            38.4

                                           3           x                      3.0            land            18.4

                                           6           x                      1.0            land            22.4

                                           7                        x         9.0            canoe           44.0

                                           9           x                      6.6            sailboat        18.4

                                           10                       x         11.0           canoe           44.0

                                           13          x            x         7.0            land            20.0

                                           14                x                14.0           boat            35.0

                                           15          x     x                12.0           boat            22.4

                                           16          x     x                19.0           boat, can       60.0

                                           17          x            x         15.0           canoe           53.0

                                           18                       x         6.6            canoe           22.0

                                           19          x            x         3.5            land            52.0

                                           20          x                      0.0            boat            56.0

                                           21          x            x         4.0            land            55.0

                                           22          x            x         9.3            canoe           43.2

                                           23          x            x         2.5            land            33.0

                                           24          x     x      x         16.0           canoe           40.0

                                           25          x                      0.5            land            18.0

                                           26                                 9.0            canoe           38.4

                                           27          x                      12.0           canoe           28.4

                                           28          x     x 1              3.0            land            60.0

                                           29                       x         3.5            canoe           22.0

                                           30          x                      2.0            land            30.0

                                           31                x      x  1     -10.0     1     canoe     1     25.0

                                         Total Monthly Hours - 196
                                         Total Monthly Miles - 899












                                                                                                                                   D









                                                                 SEPTEMIIER


                                      DATE        GB LB PR             HOURS           MEANS          MILES

                                      Sept 2                              2.0            land            18.4

                                         4         x                      4.0            land            46.0

                                         5         x                      8.5            boat            63.2

                                         6         x                      5.6            land            30.0

                                         7         x                      9.0         boat, can          22.4

                                         8         x      x               14.2           boat            18.4

                                         9         x                      11.5           canoe           30.0

                                         10        x            x 1       3.0            land            44.4

                                         11                     x         11.5           canoe           40.0

                                         12        x                      3.5            land            45.0

                                         13               x         1     6.0            land            36,8

                                         14        x                      11.3           canoe           48.0

                                         15        x            x         5.0            canoe           6.0

                                         16               X I   X         1.0            land            5.0

                                         17        x            x         10.5           canoe           35.4

                                         18        x            x         0.6            land            35

                                         19        x      x               3.5            canoe           6.0

                                         20        x                      4.0            land            20.0

                                         22               x     x         1.8            land            22.0

                                         23               x               2.5            land            18.2

                                         24        x                      4.0            land            21.8

                                         25                     x         16.0           canoe           27.8

                                         26        x                      1.0            land            18.4

                                         27        x      x               12.0           boat            32.8

                                         28               x               14.0           boat            22.0
                                         29      1 X 1              1     7.0            land            33.0
                                                 1     1  x     x 1       2.0            land            22.0
                                       Total Monthly Hours - 175
                                       Total Monthly Miles - 768
                                                 @
                                                   x
                                                   X
                                                   x




















































                                                                                                                              E










                                                                    OCTOBER



                                       DATE        GB LB PR             HOURS           MEANS          MILES

                                       Oct I                     x         1.5            land            18.0

                                          3          x     x               5.9            boat            36

                                          4          x     x               7.0            land            78

                                          5                      x         7.5            canoe           17.5

                                          6          x     x               14.5           boat            28.4

                                          7          x                     15.0           boat            18.4

                                          8                x     x   1     6.5            land            57.0

                                          9          x     x               4.0            land            60.0

                                          10               7,              11.2           canoe           24

                                          11         x                     1.0            land            18.4

                                          12               x               10.0           canoe           40.0

                                          13         x                     2.0            land            18.4

                                          14         x                     17.7           canoe           40.0

                                          15         x                     2.0            land            18.4

                                          17         x     x               2.5            canoe           18.0

                                          19         x                     1.0            land            18.4

                                          20         x                     1.5            land            24.0

                                          22               x               1.5            land            24.0

                                          23         x  1                  3.0            land            40.0

                                          24         x                     5.5            boat            36.8

                                          26               x               6.5            land            38.0

                                          27                     x         9.5            canoe           40.0

                                          29         x                     8.0            canoe           40.0

                                          30         X                     12.0           boat            18.4

                                          31         x                     8.0            boat            18.4

                                        Total Monthly Hours - 164.8
                                        Total Monthly Miles - 788.5











                                                                                                                               F









                                                                   NOVEMBER


                                       DATE         GB LB PR             HOURS           MEANS           MILES

                                       Ncsv I              x                12.0           boat            18.4

                                          2                x                12.5           boat            18.4

                                          4          x                      2.8            land            56.2

                                          5          x                      3.2            land            31.7

                                          6          x                      1.0            land            18.4

                                          8          x                      2.0            land            18.4

                                          9                       x         6.0            canoe           24.0

                                          10         x                      1.7            land            18A

                                          I I        x                      1.5            land            18.4

                                          12         x                      2.5            land            45.5

                                          13         x                      4.0            land            40.4

                                          14                      x         6.0            land            40.0

                                          15                      x         13.0           canoe           70.0

                                          16         x                      10.0           boat            70.0

                                          18         x                      2.5            land            40.0

                                          19         x                      2.5            land            36.0
                                          20        -x                      11.4           boat            38.0

                                          21               x                10.0           boat            18.4

                                          25         x  1                   6.0            boat            18.4

                                          26         x                      2.5            land            40.0

                                          27         x                      1.0            land            18.4

                                          28               x                8.5      1     boat            36.0
                                          30                      xt        3.5            canoe         --40.0
                                        Total Monthly Hours - 126.1
                                        Total Monthly Miles - 773.4















                                                                                                                                 G


























                                      DA17         OB   LB PR          HOURS           MUMS             MILES

                                       19          x                     2.2             Land            AO
                                       21          x                     2.8             land            36.0
                                       25          x                     0.8             Ind             36.0
                                       26          1     x     x         9.4             land            46.5
                                       27          -x                    1.6             land            41.2
                                       29          x                     0.8             land            22.1
                                       30          x  I x                                land            21.2
                                 'row monthly homs-1&9
                                 TOW monthly milwZ41.0




















                                                                                      APRIL


                                              DITE             G1     a       IP       HQUIS              NIANS                 mug

                                                 I             x                          1.1               land                42.0

                                                 2             x                          1.4               land                23.3

                                                 3                            x           1.2               land                22.4

                                                 5             x                          1.6               land                44.8

                                                 10                   x       x           4.8               land                30.7

                                                 12            x                          4.8               land                41.8
                                                 14       -q-x I              x           2.3               land                46.0
                                                 17            x         1                2.5               land                17.8
                                                 18                   x       x           6.4               land                44.1

                                                 19            x                          2.3               land                25.2

                                                 20                   x                   12.2              boat                10.5

                                                 24            x                          12.6              boat                22.4

                                                 25                   x       x           1.7               land                24.0

                                                 26            x                          5.1               land                17.3

                                                 27            x                          10.3              boat                22.4

                                                 28                                       3.2               boat                38.4
                                                 29            X fx 1                     3.7               land                S9.7
                                                 30            x 1--F                     2.1               land                29.17
                                         Total MonV Hours-M30
                                         Told HoriV Miles461.90












                                                                                        MAY



                                                 DITE         GB LI        12           HOURS             mins               MIS

                                                 May I                     x            6.5               canoe              22.9
                                                 2                   x                  2.0               land               22.0
                                                 3            x                         6.6               land               223
                                                 4            x                         13.5              canoe              26.6
                                                 5            x                         2.2               land               41.8
                                                 7            x                         13.2              boat               27.6
                                                 8                         x            8.1               boat               21.0
                                                 11           x                         4.1               land               33.1
                                                 14           x                         1.8               land               21.0
                                                 is                  x                  8.7               boat               21.0
                                                 16           x                         9.0               boat               20.4
                                                 17                  x                  6.7               boat               10.4
                                                 18                  x                  7.8               boat               10.4
                                                 19           x                         11.4              MIN                38.5
                                                 20                  x                  13.7              canoe              50.2
                                                 21           x                         5.4               1 and              38.5

                                                                                                                             A
                                                 22                       x             9.2               m7ioe              46.4
                                                 23           x                         11.7              land               39.6
                                                 2s           x                         10.1              boat               37.5
                                                 2?                  x                  1.4               boat               41.5
                                                 29           x                         13.5              boat               18.2
                                                 30                  x FT               10.0              canoe              22.0
                                                      Totaliaon*hours-176.6
                                                      Totalton*tRes-633.3




















                                                                               JUNE



                                            Din          GI    LI R             Rom                mum               mm

                                          Jme 4          x                        2.2              land              21.0

                                            6            x                        3.3              1w                42.9

                                            7                  x      x           2.8              Imd               21.2

                                            12                 x                  0.8              land              10.0

                                            14           x                        8.3              boal              18.2

                                            16                 x                  1.3              lmd               20.0

                                            17                 x                  3.5              lmd               27.0

                                            30                 X                  5.5              land              28.0


                                       Total Mo" Holzs-27.7

                                       Total Mon* Mfles-183.3














                                      RUATMRKM'




                                         A

                                         c




          Fa*. Sodwddw

           C@Wmoe                        c

           Upimd=W*w                     D*

           NXWSMI*ff                     B
           Sob"mdppa                     c

           Sid                           D

           Gmdwy&vi*                     B
           lmaydbwkp.                    B
           FF.PAM -,="a                  c

           indsml*w                      A

           Duk                           D*

                                         c

                                         A



             A Un*bcdydmbd
               B       obd bot M;kwmm&n
               c              mdwftbwWedddbvfim
               D

               *a* at    obw v by u or pi by &,obmku










                                      MCI p 3






                                                      B-C



                                       8-8

                                                    S-A






                                    6-c
                   STUDY AREA                  7-B
                   ON THE GREAT
                   BAY ESTUARY 6-B
                          5-c             6         7-A
                                  5-6    S-A
                        5-E 5-                       \,
                               5              4
                  2 LEVELS OF                 4-C
                  BROAD SCALE
                  SUB-AREAS        4-A       4-D
                  dividing lines        c
                  between oreas
                      ,r level 1 3-8  %     3-D
                       -level 2

                                    3
                              0       3-E
                  1-A         -A           3-
                                          W01-Ii. 2-A
                                             2  a
                                               2-B
                            1-8       2-
                                            2-C







                                                            N










                                          Map 4




                                                    SFCR



                                           vi
















                       Location of
                       Some Areas

                           Soma important
                           Comple.
                            Roman
                            numeral

                            areas









                              SOR           SEG


                                                                      0



     I "

       :,@ 1, ,,e
     I
     I                                                               Map 5
     1
     I
     1                                                                                17,
     1
                                        Sernipalmated
                                        Plover
     I                                  EM Observation(s)
                                        EM New Site Fall 19gi
     I
     I
     I                                                                        to
                                                                                                                   I
     1                                                                  .4
     I
     I                                                              %
     I
                                                    a
     I                                                                    &             Is
     I
     I
     I

     a                                                                                                           P










                                          map6


























                     Block-bellied
                     Plover
                     IM Observation (S)








                                   MaP7

































                  Common snipe
                     C=l observation
                     = highest density
                     IMM blowup or mcp

















                                   JtRoute 10a

                                                                        R








                                 MaP8













                                                     Ar,












                                             so
                       Spatted                i. rl on't,
                        Sandpiper








      41HI,


                                            U43P 9
















  I
  I
  I                                             -- M
  I
                                                    00
  I                                             f
                       solitary
  I                    Sandpiper
                       92M observation (S)
  I
  I                                           %

  I

   .d
                                                  0
  I                                                      --->M
  I
  I

                                                                              T






                                US Department of Commerce
                                VOAA Coastal Services Center Library
                                223d South Hobson Avenue
                                Charleston, SC 29405-2413














































































                                                                      3
                                                                       6 8 14101 9929
                                                                        66