12-29 



Abundance 



For the 1972-1977 period, overall abundance of birds in New 

 Haven has fluctuated as depicted in Appendix Table 12-2 and Figure 12-9. 

 Lowest numbers occurred in 1973 and 1974, prior to plant operation while 

 highest numbers were observed in 1972 also prior to plant operation, in 

 1975 and in 1976, after plant operation began. In addition, the ten 

 months of data collected in 1977 revealed bird populations to be higher 

 than those observed in all of 1973 and almost as high as in all of 1974. 

 From these data, it appears the New Haven Harbor Station is not having a 

 detrimental effect on numbers of birds utilizing New Haven Harbor. 



As depicted in Appendix Table 12-2, the seasonal abundance of 

 birds in New Haven Harbor has remained consistent during the course of 

 the study. Numbers have generally been highest in late fall and winter, 

 lowest in early to mid-summer and intermediate during other times of the 

 year. As explained in the "Abundance" Section, this is due to the 

 migratory habits of the birds and is not affected by operation of the 

 New Haven Harbor Station. 



In addition, comparison of total birds observed in each of 

 three months (January, July and October) throughout the years 1972-1977 

 shows that not only have there been fluctuations in numbers, but more 

 birds have been observed during these months since plant operation 

 commenced than prior to plant operation (Figure 12-10) . 



Waterfowl 



Waterfowl numbers within New Haven Harbor have fluctuated from 

 year to year with no discernible pattern (Figure 12-11) . The highest number 

 was recorded in 1972, and the lowest number in 1973, both prior to plant 

 operation. Data for the months of October, November and December in 

 1975 and 1976 (following plant startup) show typical number of waterfowl 

 within New Haven Harbor for this time of year (Appendix Table 12-2) . 



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