12-39 



Populations of prey species of fish, and intertidal and sub- 

 tidal benthos showed considerable fluctuations during the course of the 

 study, but maintained sufficient abundance to serve as a substantial 

 food resource for birds. 



The height of the transmission line towers and the large 

 horizontal distance covered by the power lines pose a potential hazard 

 to birds. If the flight patterns to the Long Wharf flats. New Haven Harbor 

 Station area or areas north of the transmission lines were such that large 

 numbers of birds passed through the area, collisions could occur, resulting 

 in injury or death. 



The main areas utilized by avian populations in New Haven Harbor 

 (Long Wharf flats, Sandy Point and mouth of the West River) are south of 

 the transmission line. Little habitat is provided by either the Mill or 

 Quinnipiac Rivers north of the Connecticut turnpike bridge. Therefore, 

 bird movement from or to these areas should be minimal and the transmission 

 lines and towers should not have any appreciable effect on avian populations. 



In summary, the construction and operation of New Haven Harbor 

 Station does not appear to have diminished the harbor ' s value as avian feed- 

 ing, resting or wintering habitat. Furthermore, there were no apparent plant 

 caused effects on food resources available to birds using the harbor. In 

 short, there is no evidence that the New Haven Harbor generating station has 

 had any adverse effect on the local populations of waterfowl, gulls and 

 shorebirds . 



