Tudor Wharf Draft Environmental Impact Report EOEA f 6744 



beams, which allowed adequate space for 

 the herons to stand, were also occupied 

 by the birds. 



At Tudor Wharf spacing between pilings 

 was broad enough to accommodate the wing 

 span of the herons. The absence of 

 herons from other, more closely spaced 

 pilings suggested that spacing may be 

 important in the selection of this site. 

 The Tudor Wharf site also allowed 

 relatively unobstructed viewing in three 

 directions; north, east, and south. This 

 was a characteristic present on several 

 wharves within the inner Boston Harbor. 



Another characteristic of the Tudor Wharf 

 site was the elevation of the deck in 

 relation to the mean high water line 

 noted on the pilings. The distance 

 between mean high water and the deck of 

 the existing structure allows the herons 

 to utilize the area throughout the entire 

 day and not be forced to relocate 

 according to the tide schedule. 



It is important to note that this wharf 

 is not a breeding area for these herons; 

 that, at best, it is utilized as a 

 roosting/loafing site during the non- 

 breeding season (late August through 

 early April) ; and, that the majority of 

 the Boston Harbor black-crowned night 



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