
CLAPPER RATL STUDY 
Fred Ferrigno 
New Jersey Division of Same and Fish 
Basically the purpose of the study is to determine the annual 
population trends of the clanper rail. In addition, information 
is to be gathered in regard to initial nesting dates and the ef- 
fects of high tides on nesting success. 
Study Areas and Techniques Used 
Two study areas, Coney's Area, Marmora, and Keye's Area, 
Corsons Inlet, were censused from lay 1h to July 28. Nests were 
located in the same manner as described by Schmidt (1950). When 
nests were located, numbered stakes were placed in their vicinity. 
Subsequent visits were made almost weekly until all nesting had 
ceased on the study areas. Fach nest was closely observed until 
it was either destroyed or hatched successfully. 
Weather and Water Conditions 
Precipitation was above normal during April and May. Fre- 
quent rains also occurred throughout June and July. Temperatures 
throughout the spring were extremely low for that particular time 
of the year. Unusual freezing weather was common throughout 
April and May, resulting in a retardation of nesting cover. During 
June and July, excellent growing conditions resulted in a very lush 
vegetative growth. 
rindings 
An examination of the field data (Table 1) reveals that on 
Coney's Area, 20 nests were under observation during 1956. Six- 
teen, 4 less than 1955, hatched successfully. Four nests were 
dostroyed by flond tides. 
On Keye's Area, 10 nests were observed, nine of which hatched 
successfully. . This represents an increase of 5 successful hatches 
over the previous year. Flood tides were responsible for the de- 
struction of the remaining nest. 
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