12.0 MIGRATORY WATERFOWL, GULL AND SHOREBIRD SURVEY 



by riichael .'1. Grubb and Ken l^lorcross 



Normandeau Associates, Inc. 



Bedford, N. H. 



INTRODUCTION 



New Haven Harbor, though not utilized as a nesting area, is an 

 important feeding and resting area for shorebirds, gulls and waterfowl. 

 It also provides habitat for cormorants, herons, loons, grebes and other 

 waterbirds. A censusing program was initiated in June 1971 to monitor 

 avian abundance, species composition and seasonal and spatial distribu- 

 tion. This program was designed to determine any major changes in avian 

 utilization of New Haven Harbor as a result of operation of the New 

 Haven Harbor Station. 



STUDY METHODS 



Data used in the preparation of this section of the report 

 were collected under the supervision of NAT for studies funded by United 

 Illuminating Company. Data collection began in June 1971 and terminated 

 in October 1977. Surveys were conducted at least once a month in addi- 

 tion to additional surveys during late fall and winter months to provide 

 a more accurate estimate of peak migratory populations . Data from 

 multi-sampled months were averaged to yield one figure for each month. 



During each survey, observations were made from a series of 

 approximately 12 stations beginning south of Sandy Point and progressing 

 clockwise around the harbor. Surveys were conducted from shore with the 

 aid of binoculars and a 20-45X spotting scope. Personnel recorded the 

 number and species of all birds near enough to be identified. From June 

 1971 through August 1972, and July 1976 through October 1977, data 

 sheets were used with a section for comments on bird activity, human 

 disturbance, unusual conditions or any other factors that might influ- 

 ence the data. From September 1972 through June 1976 only raw numerical 

 data were recorded. 



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