[va-bird] Barrier Island Red Knot survey

On 23 May, 2005 at the request of the New Jersey Division of Fish and 
Wildlife, Bryan Watts of the Center for Conservation Biology at the College 
of William and Mary and Barry Truitt of the Virginia Coast Reserve (TNC) 
conducted an aerial survey of the Virginia Barrier islands for Red Knots. 
The survey resulted in a total estimate of 9,150 knots along the island 
chain.  Significant concentrations were observed on Wreck Island, Paramore 
Island, Hog Island, and Myrtle Island.  Funds for the aerial survey were 
provided by the Conserve Wildlife Foundation of New Jersey.

Aerial surveys conducted throughout the springs of 1994-1996 by the same 
observers and using the same techniques showed that Red Knot migration on 
the Virginia Barrier islands peaks during the third week of May.  The peak 
estimate during these 3 years was 8,955 birds documented on 21 May, 1996. 
The estimate for 2005 is within 200 individuals of the peak estimate from 10 
years earlier (it should be noted that the Chimney Pole Marsh/Sandy Island 
complex inside Quinby Inlet was surveyed in 2005 but not in the mid 1990s - 
710 birds detected).  Although there is overwhelming evidence that the Red 
Knot population within the western hemisphere has experienced dramatic 
declines, current use of the Virginia Barrier Islands by migrating knots 
appears to be similar to the mid-1990s.


Large numbers of Red Knots have been color banded on their wintering grounds 
in Argentina and in passage on Delaware Bay.  Researchers are requesting 
that birders report all banded birds and band combinations.



Bryan Watts









posted for Bryan by:

Mike Wilson

Center for Conservation Biology
College of William and Mary
PO Box 8795
Williamsburg, VA 23187-8795
phone: 757-221-1649

www.ccb-wm.org

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