Tudor Wharf Draft Environmental Impact Report EOEA # 6744 



LEG communication) . Loafing and roosting are 

 habits of a variety of species. The heron 

 typically engages in these activities during 

 resting periods, after feeding or after long 

 periods of strenuous activity. These birds 

 perch on trees in the natural environment, 

 though they also utilize other structures 

 (pilings, rock outcroppings, etc.) when 

 available. Local ornithologists have not 

 located the heron population within the inner 

 portions of Boston Harbor. However, during 

 the LEG site visit roosting areas within the 

 harbor were observed. 



Conclusion 



The information contributed from this 

 detailed investigation into the natural 

 history, seasonal distribution, and habitat 

 use of the black-crowned night heron, will 

 hopefully provide sufficient guidance to the 

 developers of Tudor Wharf. 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 site during the non- 

 breeding season (late August through early 

 April) ; and, that the majority of the Boston 

 Harbor black-crowned night heron population 

 (80%) overwinters in parts unknown outside of 

 Boston Harbor. The unique physical 

 characteristics of Tudor Wharf should be 

 quantified in more detail so that the design 

 of the alteration of these pilings might be 

 accomplished with a minimal impact to this 

 resource area. 



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