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

• 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

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