A Plan for Monitoring Shorebirds During the Non-breeding ...



A Plan for Monitoring Shorebirds During the Non-breeding Season in Bird Monitoring Region South Carolina - BCR 27

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Prepared by: Sandy Chan

Version *.*

2003

Updated 2008

Table of Contents

Figures and Tables 2

Introduction 3

Introduction 3

Methods 5

Results - Shorebirds 7

Site Descriptions 8

Huntington Beach State Park 8

Yawkey Wildlife Center 10

Cape Romain NWR 12

Pitt Street Bridge, Mount Pleasant 14

Folly Beach, Folly Island 16

Kiawah Island 17

ACE Basin NWR – Edisto Unit and Bear Island State Wildlife Management Area 19

ACE Basin NWR – Edisto Unit 19

Bear Island WMA 20

Hunting Island State Park and Harbor Island 21

Hunting Island State Park 22

Harbor Island 22

Savannah River Dredge Spoil Site 24

Savannah NWR 26

Acknowledgements 28

References 29

Figures and Tables

Figure 1. Conceptual framework for integrated bird monitoring. 3

Figure 2. Shorebird Planning and Bird Conservation Regions in Canada and the United States. 4

Figure 3. PRISM sites in BCR 13, 14, 30, 27, and 31. 5

Table 1. Focal shorebird species for BCR 27 7

Introduction

The bird conservation initiatives - waterbirds, waterfowl, shorebirds and landbirds - are cooperating to design a comprehensive “integrated bird monitoring” (IBM) program for Canada and the United States. The conceptual framework for IBM (Fig. 1) includes strong emphasis on detecting species at risk and helping to protect them. These broad goals are achieved by estimating population trends and defining requirements for viable populations. These objectives in turn are accomplished by population modeling based on population levels, demographic rates and habitat information. Population trends are estimated by surveying breeding populations whenever possible, and by surveying the species for which this is not feasible at other times of year. Surveys of all species are made throughout the year to help identify and monitor use of suitable habitat.

Figure 1. Conceptual framework for integrated bird monitoring.

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Most surveys in upland habitats are designed at a large spatial scale (e.g., southern Canada and the United States) and do not require detailed information at the local level. Surveys of wetland habitats, in contrast, must be carefully designed to insure that the habitat is well covered, and different methods may be needed in different environments. A series of “regional assessments” is thus being prepared to help design the wetland surveys. Regions were formed by intersecting a Bird Conservation Region (BCR) map with a Province and State map, deleting small polygons and smoothing the borders (Fig. 2). The resulting “Bird Monitoring Regions” can be used to scale up results to either BCRs or Provinces and States.

Figure 2. Shorebird Planning and Bird Conservation Regions in Canada and the United States.

Adapted from: USFWS-U.S. Shorebird Plan and CWS-Canadian Shorebird Conservation Plan

The regional assessments summarize current information about wetland bird distribution, abundance, habitat relationships and timing of use within the Region and identify information needed to design reliable monitoring programs. These “needed pilot studies” are then prioritized by people concerned with monitoring birds in the region and a plan is developed to carry out the work. Carrying out the pilot studies is expected to take 1-3 years. Long-term surveys will then be implemented. Additional details are provided in “Managers Monitoring Manual” available at . More information on regional progress can be found at the U.S. Shorebird Plan’s Regional Conservation Plan website ().

Methods

Focal wetland species of shorebirds were first identified. The initial list included all wetland species of shorebirds that are common or abundant at any time of year within the Region, according to Brian Harrington and based largely upon data from the International Shorebird Surveys (ISS). Sites in which any of the focal species are common or abundant at any time of year were then identified using a list prepared for this project and supplemented by information provided by birding guides, ornithologists and birders knowledgeable of the Region. Most sites were single areas, such as a National Wildlife Refuge, but dispersed sites, such as “lakes >10 ha”, could also be identified.

Figure 3. PRISM sites in BCR 13, 14, 30, 27, and 31.

The International Shorebird Survey (ISS) provided species numbers for some of the identified sites. The ISS is a volunteer based survey initiated in 1974 by Brian Harrington. Volunteers select their survey sites and are given guidelines on census frequency and data collection for spring and fall migration. The ISS guidelines ask volunteers to survey once every 10 days from April 1st to June 10th for spring migration, and once every 10 days from July 11th to October 31st for fall migration. ISS records provided the maximum counts recorded for species where the identified site is also an ISS site.

Survey methods for sites include appropriate tide levels for surveys, if that information is available. Tide levels for surveys are based on the advice of biologists and birders with knowledge about the sites. Due to the different geography of the sites, different tide levels

are recommended to concentrate the birds for a survey. While high tide at one site may bring in birds that are spread out over an expansive area at low tide, high tide at another site may completely cover the habitat or food resources and scatter the birds elsewhere. Therefore, different tide levels may be recommended for different sites.

Additional site information may also include information about visibility. Excellent/good visibility simply means that the birds can be seen without obstruction clearly enough to identify to species, either by physically getting close enough or with a good scope or binoculars.

Maps showing land ownership, roads and wetlands were prepared for the region. Maps of each site were also prepared and information useful in designing surveys for the focal species was presented. The survey objective was assumed to be estimating the average number of birds of each focal species present within the site during a specified interval. Up to three types of habitat were described for each focal species: Type 1 habitat, outlined in purple on the maps, included regularly-used areas that should be sampled using a well-defined sampling plan. Type 2 habitat, which was outlined in red, included areas used sparingly by the focal species. Type 2 habitat is not surveyed as often or with rigorously defined methods, but is surveyed less formally every few years to document continued low use by the focal species. Type 3 habitat receives virtually no use by the focal species during the study period and is not surveyed as part of the monitoring program. Requests, however, are circulated for any records of the focal species occurring in substantial numbers in these areas.

A description of each site was prepared with the following headings:

Boundaries and ownership

Focal species using the site and timing of use

Location of type 1 and 2 habitat within the site

Access to the type 1 and 2 habitat and visibility of the birds

Past and current surveys

Potential survey methods

Description

Selection bias

Measurement error and bias

Needed pilot studies

We assume for any survey that the study area and study period (within years) have been defined. The goal of the survey was assumed to be estimating the trend, across several years, in the average number of birds present during the study period. Bias means a long-term trend in the ratio (number recorded)/(average number present). Selection bias ensues when some portion of Type 1 habitat has zero chance of being surveyed, usually due to access problems, and there is a long-term trend in the proportion of birds using the non-sampled portion. Exclusion of some Type 1 habitat does not necessarily cause selection bias because trends in the sampled areas might be the same as trends in the non-sampled areas. Anytime some portion of Type 1 habitat could not be included in the sampled areas, the potential for selection bias and ways to reduce it were discussed. Measurement error means not detecting all birds present in the surveyed area at the time of the survey. Measurement bias is a long term trend in the proportion of birds present at the time of the survey that are detected on the survey. Measurement error does not necessarily cause measurement bias because the proportion of birds detected might not change through time. Anytime measurement error was probable, its magnitude and probable stability through time were discussed along with ways to reduce the proportion of birds missed on the surveys.

Results - Shorebirds

Table 1. Focal shorebird species for BCR 27

|CODE |SPECIES |

|BBPL |Black-bellied Plover |

|SNPL |Snowy Plover |

|WIPL |Wilson’s Plover |

|SEPL |Semipalmated Plover |

|PIPL |Piping Plover |

|KILL |Killdeer |

|AMOY |American Oystercatcher |

|GRYE |Greater Yellowlegs |

|LEYE |Lesser Yellowlegs |

|SOSA |Solitary Sandpiper |

|WILL |Willet |

|SPSA |Spotted Sandpiper |

|WHIM |Whimbrel |

|LBCU |Long-billed Curlew |

|MAGO |Marbled Godwit |

|RUTU |Ruddy Turnstone |

|REKN |Red Knot |

|SAND |Sanderling |

|SESA |Semipalmated Sandpiper |

|LESA |Least Sandpiper |

|DUNL |Dunlin |

|SBDO |Short-billed Dowitcher |

|COSN |Common Snipe |

Site Descriptions – South Carolina

Huntington Beach State Park

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Description: Huntington Beach State Park is located in Georgetown County and managed by the SC Department of Parks, Recreation and Tourism. The park includes 1,060 acres of salt marsh and tidal waters, 750 acres of woodlands, 90 acres of freshwater lagoon, 400 acres of maritime shrub thicket and 200 acres of sandy beach and dunes. A causeway from the mainland to the beach separates saltwater mudflats from freshwater impoundments. There are two camping areas, an education center, two nature trails and numerous boardwalks extending out into the salt marsh and freshwater lagoon for wildlife viewing.

Shorebird areas include the rock jetty on the north end, the ocean beach from the north parking lot to the jetty, including a tidal-brackish pond, the salt marsh extending from the causeway to the education center and freshwater Mullet Pond on the south side of the causeway. All areas are accessible by foot. They are also subject to frequent disturbance.

According to Jack Peachey, Huntington Beach is very important as a shorebird wintering site, supporting hundreds of Dunlin, Semipalmated Plover and Short-billed Dowitcher. Smaller numbers of BBPL, SAND, REKN, WESA, GRYE, and PIPL also occur here in winter.

A major restoration project is planned for the Spring, 2005. Sandpiper Pond, which in the past hosted many migrating shorebirds, no longer does so in great number. An invasion of Phragmites ensued when Hurricane Hugo and other Atlantic storms choked the pond of its salt water intake. To discourage the overgrowth, a channel will be opened allowing salt water to reach Sandpiper Pond. Other activities will be undertaken to remove the vegetation that remains.

The most numerous species from ISS maximum count data are: BBPL (270), WIPL (150), SEPL (650), PIPL (30), AMOY (75), GRYE (35), LEYE (21), SPSA (20), WILL (210), RUTU (375), REKN (500), SAND (750), SESA (300), LESA (62), SBDO (710) and DUNL (1,600).

Survey Method: Ground surveys at all areas. The jetty and beach is best at mid tide to low tide. The salt marsh is best at nearly low tide, either incoming or outgoing. The freshwater pond is worth surveying if water levels are low, leaving exposed edges.

Selection Bias: *

Measurement error: Phragmites overgrowth at Sandpiper Pond may lead to measurement error if shorebirds are obscured from view.

Measurement bias: The restoration and removal of invasive vegetation at Sandpiper Pond may result in measurement bias. This could be a factor if there is a long-term trend in the number of birds detected and the number of birds present at Sandpiper Pond.

Pilot Studies: None needed.

Local Contacts: Jack Peachey, Wacamaw Audubon Society.

Yawkey Wildlife Center

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Description: The Yawkey Wildlife Center encompasses North Island, South Island and most of Cat Island. It is located at the mouth of Winyah Bay in Georgetown County and separated from mainland by the Intracoastal Waterway. The Center is owned by the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources and managed as a wildlife refuge and research area. The Center is only accessible by boat and public access is limited to guided tours.

Yawkey includes 940 ha of managed wetlands (impoundments) surrounded by 6,200 ha of tidal marsh, forest openings, ocean beach, pineland and maritime forest. North Island has little shorebird activity, as there are no large mudflats. South Island has the most shorebird habitat with 3 main natural mudflat areas - Mother Norton Shoals, Front Beach North and Front Beach South - and 12 brackish, managed wetlands. At peak migration there may be 20-40,000 shorebirds using created wetlands during spring migration from March to the end of May. This is not a fall migration site, as water levels are kept high for waterfowl.

The most numerous species from ISS maximum count data are: BBPL (257), WIPL (3,525), KILL (24), GRYE (79), LEYE (1,019), SPSA (16), WILL (78), RUTU (61), REKN (28), SESA (15,193), LESA (361), SBDO (86), DUNL (2,369) and MAGO (43).

Survey Method: Access is by ferry service or personal boat. Ground surveys at impoundments within two hours of high tide when shorebirds concentrate in managed areas.

Selection Bias: None as long as permission for access to do surveys is obtained.

Measurement error: Negligible.

Measurement bias: Not applicable.

Pilot Studies: None needed.

Local Contacts: Louise “Lou” Weber, Warren-Wilson College

Cape Romain NWR

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Description: Cape Romain NWR is located in northeast Charleston county and managed by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. The refuge encompasses 64,229 acres, 28,000 acres of which are preserved with the National Wilderness Preservation System. Cape Romain extends for 20 miles along the Atlantic Coast and includes 34,229 acres of beach and sand dunes, salt marsh, maritime forests, tidal creeks, fresh and brackish water impoundments and 30,000 acres of open water. Bull’s Island (5,000 acres) is one of the three largest islands in Cape Romain and the only one that is wooded. There are managed ponds on Bull’s Island in which water levels are manipulated to benefit shorebirds, waterbirds and waterfowl. Except for the refuge headquarters and Moores Landing, the refuge is only accessible by boat.

The refuge conducts the Wilkinson Survey, a boat survey, every two weeks. They concentrate on high tide roost sites including beaches, shell rakes, sandbars and docks. There is also the Cubie Survey, a ground survey of Bull’s Island using spotting scopes and binoculars. All areas except the beach and marsh on Bull’s Island are managed ponds. The Bull’s Island beach is surveyed at high tide and the rest of the survey is conducted around that time.

Maximum counts from all areas surveyed by boat in Fall 2000 are: BBPL (160), SEPL (102), AMOY (350), GRYE (19), WILL (450), MAGO (376), REKN (10), RUTU (135), SAND (134), DUNL (2,363) and SBDO (829).

Survey Method: Access is by personal boat or ferry from Moores Landing. The refuge protocol includes boat surveys of high tide roost sites including beaches, shell rakes, sandbars and docks; and ground surveys at and around high tide of Bulls Island habitat.

Selection Bias: None.

Measurement error: *

Measurement bias: *

Pilot Studies: None needed.

Local Contacts: Sarah Dawcey, Biologist, Cape Romain NWR

Pitt Street Bridge, Mount Pleasant

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Description: The site is the Pitt Street Bridge in Mount Pleasant, just off of Charleston Harbor. Pitt Street ends at a paved and blocked off bridge/causeway (now a city park). The habitat is a mixture of open water, mud flats and salt marsh. This is a public area and easily accessible.

The most numerous species from ISS maximum count data are: SEPL (65), AMOY (58), SBDO (165) and DUNL (250).

Survey Method: Ground surveys should be conducted from bridge/causeway at low tide.

Selection Bias: None.

Measurement error: *

Measurement bias: *

Pilot Studies: Some initial surveys will help determine if the numbers at this site warrant keeping it as a regular survey area.

Local Contacts: Dennis Forsythe, the Citadel; Nathan Dias, Executive Director

Cape Romain Bird Observatory.

Folly Beach, Folly Island

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Description: Folly Island is a coastal barrier island located southeast of Charleston, SC. The island is developed and connected to mainland by a causeway. There are salt marshes on the back of the island and Folly Beach borders the entire oceanfront. The northeast end of Folly Beach is the high use shorebird area in this site.

The most numerous species from ISS maximum count data are: BBPL (300), SEPL (75), AMOY (250), WILL (75), RUTU (165), REKN (1,000), SAND (500), SESA (150), SBDO (1,500), and DUNL (2,000).

Survey Method: Ground surveys on the northeast end of Folly Beach.

Selection Bias: None.

Measurement error: * Measurement bias: *

Pilot Studies: None needed.

Local Contacts: Dennis Forsythe, The Citadel

Kiawah Island

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Description: Kiawah Island is a private coastal barrier island, roughly 10,000 acres in size. About one half of the island is tidal salt marsh and the other is highland, which includes man-made brackish ponds, five golf courses, residential housing and also small pieces of maritime forest. There are 10 miles of beach along the Atlantic Ocean, with an additional stretch of beach to the northeast along the Stono River inlet.

Shorebirds can be seen along the peripheries of the island and in some of the shallow lakes and ponds wherever there is mud or sand exposed above water. The shorebird hotspot on the island is at the extreme eastern tip, which has beach habitat and tidal sloughs. It is about a two mile walk or bike ride from the nearest road access, although it is possible to drive there by 4WD vehicle from September to May (outside of the turtle nesting season). Since Kiawah is private, one needs permission to access the island.

Survey Method: Ground surveys on eastern end of Kiawah Island at the beach and tidal sloughs. This area is variable from year to year and even from tide to tide. A spotting scope is important and some kind of portable blind could be valuable. Permission to access the survey area on the island will need to be arranged.

Selection Bias: None.

Measurement error: *

Measurement bias: *

Pilot Studies: None needed.

Local Contacts: David Elliot

ACE Basin NWR – Edisto Unit and Bear Island State Wildlife Management Area

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ACE Basin NWR – Edisto Unit

Description: This site only includes the Edisto Unit of the ACE Basin National Wildlife Refuge. The refuge is located in the ACE Basin watershed complex of the Ashepoo, Combahee and Edisto Rivers. Habitats include 3,950 acres of tidal marsh, 3,000 acres of managed wetland impoundments, 1,200 acres of bottomland hardwoods, 2,100 acres of upland forest and 700 acres of grass and shrublands. The refuge is made up of two separate units: the Edisto River Unit (6,500 acres) and the Combahee River Unit (4,564 acres). The Edisto Unit includes the old Grove Plantation and Jehossee Island. It has managed impoundments, walking trails and wildlife observation platforms. The refuge is managed by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.

The managed impoundments on Jehossee Island are the high use shorebird area. The most numerous species from ISS maximum count data are: SEPL (169), GRYE (37), LEYE (184), LESA (270), DUNL (43) and SBDO (50).

Survey Method: Ground surveys at the impoundments during spring draw down.

Selection Bias: None.

Measurement error: * Measurement bias: *

Pilot Studies: None needed.

Local Contacts: Larry Hartis, Biologist, ACE Basin NWR

Bear Island WMA

Description: Bear Island Wildlife Management Area is owned and managed by the SC Department of Natural Resources. It is located in the ACE Basin watershed adjacent to the ACE Basin NWR Edisto Unit. The 12,021-acre property consists of 5,385 acres of managed wetlands (27 impoundments), 5,005 acres of tidal marsh, 1,227 acres of woodlands and 404 acres of agricultural lands. The area is managed to provide quality habitat for wintering waterfowl, and other wetland wildlife including threatened and endangered species; to provide habitat for upland game and nongame species; and to provide recreational opportunities for the hunting and nonhunting public. Two observation platforms and miles of dikes provide access to the property. The area is open for general public visitation in designated areas from January 21 - October 31, Monday – Saturday.

The impoundments are the high use shorebird area in Bear Island WMA. Water levels are managed year round, but they are only actively managed for shorebirds in the spring. Water management is rotated through the impoundments, so shorebird use depends on which impoundment is being drawn down at the time. No ISS data is available for this site.

Survey Method: Ground surveys at the impoundments. Check with WMA manager about impoundment draw down schedule.

Selection Bias: None.

Measurement error: * Measurement bias: *

Pilot Studies: None needed.

Local Contacts: Dean Harrigal, Manager, Bear Island and Donnelley WMAs

Hunting Island State Park and Harbor Island

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Hunting Island State Park

Description: Hunting Island State Park is owned and managed by the SC Department of Parks, Recreation and Tourism. The park consists of a 5,000-acre barrier island located near Beaufort, SC. It includes maritime forest, extensive saltwater marsh and more than four miles of beach. There are camping areas and cabins, a hiking trail, wildlife viewing area and marsh boardwalk. The park is easily accessible by roads connecting it to other islands and the mainland.

Shorebird hotspots include the huge mud flat on the northern end of the island, which is exposed at low tide, and the large sandbar located off the southern tip of the island at Fripps Inlet. The sandbar formerly hosted significant numbers of feeding shorebirds. In recent years, sand was dredged and removed to support a beach re-nourishment project, but the Fripps Inlet sandbar will most certainly re-emerge as an important shorebird feeding area over time.

Survey Method: Ground surveys of the mud flat area on the north tip of the island should be conducted at low tide. If possible the large mudflats on adjacent Harbor Island, across the outflow of Johnson Creek, should be surveyed at the same time.

Ground surveys of the sand bar area at Fripps Inlet on the south tip of Hunting Island should be surveyed at low tide when shorebirds come to feed.

Selection Bias: None.

Measurement error: *

Measurement bias: *

Pilot Studies: None needed.

Local Contacts: Dennis Forsythe, the Citadel; Amanda Howard, Hunting Island State Park.

Harbor Island

Description: Harbor Island is a private 1,400-acre barrier island adjacent to Hunting Island State Park. The island is mainly salt marsh with tidal creeks. The upland area on the island includes a two-mile beach on the northeast side island facing the ocean. The island is connected to other islands and the mainland by a major roadway. Harbor Island is private and access for surveys will need to be arranged with local residents.

The survey area is the mudflat area on the northeast end of the island. The most numerous species from ISS maximum count data are: BBPL (125), SEPL (250), AMOY (55), WILL (75), WHIM (125), REKN (4,000), SAND (1,500), DUNL (1,500) and SBDO (750).

Survey Method: Ground surveys of the mudflat area should be conducted at low tide. If possible, the large mudflats on adjacent Hunting Island should be surveyed at the same time.

Selection Bias: Surveyors will need permission to access the area from residents of Harbor Island.

Measurement error: *

Measurement bias: *

Pilot Studies: None needed.

Local Contacts: Dennis Forsythe, Professor, the Citadel; Amanda Howard, Hunting Island State Park.

Savannah River Dredge Spoil Site

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Description: The Savannah River Dredge Spoil Site is a U.S. Army Corps of Engineers dredge spoil containment facility located in Jasper County, SC. The property is owned by the Georgia Department of Transportation (DOT). The site covers over 5,100 acres with seven diked areas.  Six of the areas are accessible by car (4-wheel drive required during rainy weather). It may be impossible to access during the wettest times. There is no public access to the site; it is a working dredge disposal area and the DOT restricts access to those working on the site. The DOT has given the Corps biologist, Steve Calver, permission to take birding groups on tours of the area, but there is a rather long and drawn out process for gaining permission to enter the site.

Shorebird areas in the spoil site vary, depending on which areas have water in them. Areas with the most birds are shallow open water areas and damp mud areas. Vegetation tends to grow up in the higher areas and areas in which disposal has occurred for a longer time since the dikes were raised. Visibility is approximately 1-mile square, so counting can be difficult and requires a good scope and cooperating weather.

 

Most of the focal species are present, at least during the spring and fall. Species not seen are Snowy Plover, Piping Plover, American Oystercatcher and Long-billed Curlew. Three others seen only rarely are Whimbrel, Marbled Godwit and Red Knot. Wilson’s Plover and Willet nest, but appear to have few migrants passing through. Steve Calver believes that Common Snipe are under detected by the survey technique. Species with the highest counts are Black-bellied Plover, Semipalmated Plover, Killdeer, Greater and Lesser Yellowlegs, Semipalmated Sandpiper, Least Sandpiper, Dunlin and Short-billed Dowitcher. Since there are also Long-billed Dowitchers, dowitcher counts include a lot of dowitcher species. Regular species with lower counts include Solitary Sandpiper, Spotted Sandpiper, Ruddy Turnstone and Sanderling.

Survey Method: Ground surveys around the spoils. Steve Calver, the Corps biologist, surveys by driving around the periphery dikes and counting with a scope. The best counts are high tide counts because birds that feed in the surrounding marshes come onto the site at high tide to feed.  However, many birds appear to stay in the area so high tide counts are not necessary to see birds. Shorebird counts can take 3 to 6 hours. Mr. Calver usually counts everything, so surveys are generally all day affairs. 

Selection Bias: Gaining access to the spoil site may be difficult. However, Steve Calver is already doing surveys and has indicated willingness to work with PRISM. State politics may interfere with including this site in PRISM because the state of South Carolina is trying to condemn parts of the area to build a port facility.

Measurement error: *

Measurement bias: *

Pilot Studies: None needed.

Local Contacts: Steve Calver, Biologist, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers

Savannah NWR

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Description: The Savannah National Wildlife Refuge is located in Chatham and Effingham counties, GA and Jasper County, SC. The refuge encompasses 14,873 acres in South Carolina and 13,295 acres in Georgia for a total of 28,168 acres. Refuge habitats include bottomland hardwoods, palustrine, estuarine and tidal (eight-foot amplitude) freshwater wetlands. A fringe area of upland hardwoods exists along the eastern boundary, 3,000 acres of which is impounded. An additional 3,000 acres of the impoundment system are managed for the benefit of shorebirds, waterfowl and wading birds. There are 36 miles of dikes open seasonally to foot traffic and a four-mile wildlife drive is open to vehicular traffic throughout the year. The refuge is one of seven administered by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s Savannah Coastal Refuges Complex, which extends from Pinckney Island NWR near Hilton Head, SC to Wolf Island NWR near Darien, GA.

According to John Robinette, the Complex biologist, the refuge tries to manage a portion of the impoundments for shorebirds. Draw downs are done in April in areas that are already close to mudflat. The impoundments get rank with vegetation very quickly and they do not have consistently good shorebird use year after year. There is no ISS data available for this site.

Survey Method: Ground surveys at the impoundments with draw downs.

Selection Bias: None.

Measurement error: *

Measurement bias: *

Pilot Studies: Some initial surveys will help determine if numbers at this site warrant keeping it as a regular survey area.

Local Contacts: John Robinette, Complex Biologist, Savannah Coastal Refuges.

Acknowledgements

I would like to thank the South Carolina Important Bird Areas Program and its partners for the work they have done in identifying IBAs and for sharing their information for use in this report.

References

ACE Basin Project Website.

Canadian Wildlife Service. Canadian Shorebird Conservation Plan. Accessed August 2008.

.

South Carolina Dept. of Parks, Recreation and Tourism Website.

U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service. U.S. Shorebird Plan. Accessed August 2008.



U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Refuge Fact Sheets:

Cape Romain NWR

Savannah NWR

Weber, L.M. 1996. Shorebird use of South Carolina Managed and Natural Coastal Wetlands. J. Wildl. Manage.60(1):73-82.

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