Links
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Participants:
Pat and Doris Leary
Ann Paul - Audubon of Florida
Nancy Douglass - Florida Fish & Wildlife Conservation Commission
Ricardo Zambrano - Florida Fish & Wildlife Conservation Commission
Janell Brush - Florida Fish & Wildlife Conservation Commission
Current Research:
Origin and Distribution of American Oystercatchers Wintering in Dixie, Levy and Citrus Counties in Florida
Pat and Doris Leary
Full study results
Research Objectives
- Conduct systematic ground surveys at all roost sites
- Collect population data for roost sites and region
- Determine origin and composition of flocks by:
- Collecting and documenting banding data
Survey Method
- Time surveys for the flood tide roosting period
- Visit roosts one hour prior to highest predicted tide
- Make observations through the roosting period
- Search adjoining areas for satellite roost sites
- Approach and inspect all birds for banding data
- Document sightings via digital photography & GPS
- Collect and document incidental sightings
- Enter all data into Excel spreadsheet
- Disseminate data to AMOY WG, FWC,FWS, FNAI
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Survey Summary for the Wintering Period: 2006, 07,08
- 10 Gulf surveys were conducted between Dec. 2006 and Feb. 2008
- 7 primary roost sites were visited in Dixie, Levy and Citrus Counties
- 6 sites in Dixie and Levy County were visited 22 times *
- 1 new site in Citrus County was surveyed three times in 2007 / 08
- A total of 50 hours of observation were conducted
- 1199 AMOY were counted in 2006 / 07 and 1272 in 2007 / 08
- 115 uniquely banded AMOY were sighted and documented
- 111 bands have been confirmed, identified and traced to origin
- Many sightings were the first recorded away from the original banding site
- While some birds show site fidelity, others shift sites (annual & seasonal)
- PIPL and SNPL were recorded and reported for sites not previously known
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Survey Findings
- Dixie, Levy and Citrus Counties annually support ca 1200 AMOY
- Wintering population was stable from 2002 - 08
- Population shifts between sites through the winter
- Numbers at roost sites vary annually & seasonally
- Population includes Atlantic coast adults and juveniles *
- Banded birds originate from MA, NJ, VA, NC and GA (migrants)
- No SC-banded birds have been documented in region
- High percentage of banded birds from northernmost breeding sites
- 2008 expansion of survey region found more birds in Citrus Co. then 2002-03 Manomet aerial surveys
- 2006-08 findings justify continued surveys, monitoring and expansion
- Some boating activities adversely impact roost sites
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State origin of banded AMOY as percent of total band cohort
wintering in Dixie, Levy and Citrus Cos. from 2006 - 08
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