On 15 March, the Center for Conservation Biology at the College of William and
Mary along with the Eastern Shore of Virginia, NWR initiated a four-month study
of factors contributing to low reproductive rates in American Oystercatchers
nesting on Fisherman Island. A comprehensive survey conducted by CCB and
partners of nesting oystercatchers in 2003 determined that Virginia supports
the largest breeding population of any state along the Atlantic Coast (nearly
600 pairs). The majority of this population nests within the barrier
island/lagoon system along the Delmarva Peninsula. Fisherman Island supports
40-50 pairs annually. Intensive monitoring by Pam Denmon from the Eastern
Shore of Virginia, NWR has shown that reproductive rates have ranged between
0.1-0.4 chicks/pair on Fisherman. This is very low compared to reproductive
rates of >1.0 chicks/pair on some of the northern islands.
CCB will utilize solar-powered, digital video systems with infra-red
illuminators to monitor active nests 24-h/d throughout the nesting cycle to
quantify factors contributing to the low reproductive rates. Information will
be used to evaluate possible management options to improve breeding success.
In addition to this project, CCB continues to participate in a coast-wide
banding program to better understand migration, wintering areas, and
survivorship in this species. One of our birds banded on Wreck Island as a
chick in 2003 was recently identified and photographed near Nassau Florida.
CCB and other groups are using a pair of field readable, alpha-numeric bands
above the joint (same code on left and right leg). We are requesting all
individuals who encounter a banded oystercatcher to note the band color, read
the band code, and to report this information to CCB.
Funds for this project are being provided by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
through the Eastern Shore of Virginia, NWR and CCB.
Bryan Watts
Bart Paxton
Center for Conservation Biology
College of William and Mary
Williamsburg, VA 23187
Phone (757) 221-1639
FAX (757) 221-1650
bjpaxt@xxxxxx
www.ccb-wm.org
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