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A Plan for Monitoring Shorebirds During the Non-breeding Season inBird Monitoring Regions Maine BCR 30 & BCR 14

Prepared by: Sandy Chan

Version *.*

2003

Updated 2008

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Table of Contents

Introduction ....................................................................................................................................3

Methods ...........................................................................................................................................5

BCR 30 Results - Shorebirds ........................................................................................................7

Site Descriptions-Maine .................................................................................................................8Scarborough Marsh ......................................................................................................................8

Site 1: Western Beach ..............................................................................................................9

Site 2: Eastern Road ................................................................................................................9Site 3: Pine Point ......................................................................................................................9

Site 4: Dunstan Landing .........................................................................................................10

Site 5: Jones Creek ................................................................................................................10Site 6: Winnocks Neck ..........................................................................................................10

Site 7: Ocean View Lane .......................................................................................................10

Biddeford Pool ...........................................................................................................................11

Sampson Cove, Cape Porpoise ..................................................................................................13

Ox Cart Lane, Lower Wells .......................................................................................................15Bluff and Stratton Islands ..........................................................................................................17

BCR 14 Results Shorebirds ......................................................................................................19

Site Descriptions-Maine ...............................................................................................................20

Presumpscot River and Mackworth Flats ..................................................................................20

Presumpscot River .................................................................................................................20Seawall Beach and Popham Beach State Park ...........................................................................22

Reid State Park ...........................................................................................................................26

Weskeag Marsh .........................................................................................................................28

Over Point and Cove ..................................................................................................................30Back Bay ................................................................................................................................32

Mill River ...............................................................................................................................33Flat Bay ..................................................................................................................................34

Lower Wass Cove, Upper Wass Cove, and Pleasant River ........................................................35

Crowley Island ...........................................................................................................................38

Sprague Neck, Cutler .................................................................................................................40Lubec: Gravel Bar, Flats, Center, and Medical Center ..............................................................41

Lubec Gravel Bar: ..................................................................................................................42

Lubec Flats: ............................................................................................................................42Lubec Center: .........................................................................................................................43

Lubec Medical Center: ...........................................................................................................44

Carrying Place Cove, Eastport ...................................................................................................45

Acknowledgements ......................................................................................................................46References ....................................................................................................................................47

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Introduction

The bird conservation initiatives - waterbirds, waterfowl, shorebirds and landbirds - arecooperating 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 byestimating 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 populationswhenever 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 wellcovered, 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, deletingsmall 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 informationneeded 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 beimplemented. Additional details are provided in Managers Monitoring Manual available at

http://www.pwrc.usgs.gov/monmanual/techniques/shorebirdsnonbreedingsites.htm. More

information on regional progress can be found at the U.S. Shorebird Plans Regional

Conservation Plan website (http://www.fws.gov/shorebirdplan/RegionalShorebird.htm).

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http://www.pwrc.usgs.gov/monmanual/techniques/shorebirdsnonbreedingsites.htmhttp://www.fws.gov/shorebirdplan/RegionalShorebird.htmhttp://www.pwrc.usgs.gov/monmanual/techniques/shorebirdsnonbreedingsites.htmhttp://www.fws.gov/shorebirdplan/RegionalShorebird.htm

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Methods

Focal wetland species of shorebirds were first identified. The initial list included allwetland 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 anytime 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 aslakes >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 toJune 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 withknowledge about the sites. Due to the different geography of the sites, different tide levels

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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/goodvisibility 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 ofhabitat 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 formallyevery 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 themonitoring 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 useLocation 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 surveysPotential survey methods

Description

Selection biasMeasurement error and bias

Needed pilot studies

We assume for any survey that the study area and study period (within years) have beendefined. 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 ofType 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 areasmight 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

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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 timewere discussed along with ways to reduce the proportion of birds missed on the surveys.

BCR 30 Results - Shorebirds

Table 1. Focal shorebird species for BCR 30

CODE SPECIES

BBPL Black-bellied Plover

SEPL Semipalmated Plover

AMOY American Oystercatcher

GRYE Greater YellowlegsLEYE Lesser Yellowlegs

SOSA Solitary Sandpiper

SPSA Spotted Sandpiper

WHIM Whimbrel

RUTU Ruddy Turnstone

REKN Red Knot

SAND Sanderling

SESA Semipalmated Sandpiper

LESA Least Sandpiper

WRSA White-rump Sandpiper

DUNL DunlinSBDO Short-billed Dowitcher

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Site Descriptions-Maine

Scarborough Marsh

Description: Scarborough Marsh is located about seven miles southwest of Portland, ME. The

marsh consists of sand beach, intertidal mudflats and estuarine marsh with an extensive complex

of flooded ditches and pannes. It is owned by the Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and

Wildlife (MDIFW) and managed as part of the Scarborough Wildlife Management Area. Thereare seven survey hotspots within this site, mostly roost sites, which have been marked with

dashed circles on the map above. All areas are easily accessible from roads or parking lots.

The most numerous species from ISS maximum count data are: BBPL (120), SEPL (200), GRYE

921), LEYE (38), WHIM (34), RUTU (60), SESA (300), LESA (20) and SBDO (100).

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Survey Method: Ground surveys should be conducted throughout the marsh. Scarborough

Marsh is a vast area and may require several volunteers to survey. Lindsay Tudor, MDIFW

biologist, has divided the marsh into seven survey areas.

Selection Bias: None.

Measurement error: *

Measurement bias: *

Pilot Studies: None needed.

Site 1: Western Beach

Description: Western Beach consists of sand beach and intertidal mudflats. The flats are

used extensively by feeding shorebirds. The sand beach experiences heavy human useand therefore receives minimal shorebird use. The outstanding feature in this site is an

intertidal shoal, which becomes an island during certain parts of the tide, concentratinglarge numbers of shorebirds. Numbers increase until the bar becomes covered at high

tide, but birds quickly return as soon as it is exposed again feeding along the receding

tide. Access is from the beach parking area.

Survey Method: Ground surveys should be conducted on the rising tide, but not at high

tide.

Site 2: Eastern Road

Description: Eastern Road runs through the middle of Scarborough Marsh. The habitatadjacent to the road includes estuarine marsh and intertidal flats. Areas can be observed

from Eastern Road and the golf course. Access is from Eastern Road.

Survey Method: Ground surveys from Eastern Road and the golf course.

Site 3: Pine Point

Description: This area contains sand beach, estuarine marsh and inter-tidal mudflats.

Some roosting occurs in the sand beach areas. The major use occurs by feeding birds

using the intertidal areas. Birds begin arriving in numbers two hours after high tide andincrease through the falling tide. Access is from the Town landing parking lot or Public

Beach lot.

Survey Method: Ground surveys of the inter-tidal areas should be conducted from two

hours after high tide through the falling tide.

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Site 4: Dunstan Landing

Description: This area consists predominantly of estuarine marsh and pannes used both

for feeding and roosting around the higher ranges of the tide. Access is through the Maine

Audubon parking lot on Route 9.

Survey Method: Ground surveys of the pannes should be conducted around the higher

ranges of the tide.

Site 5: Jones Creek

Description: This area consists of irregularly inundated inter-tidal and brackish marsh,characterized by large areas of sparsely vegetated pannes and flats. Because this area is

above the influence of tides, birds use it throughout the tidal cycle for roosting and

feeding. Access is from Bordens Seafood products lot, off Route 9.

Survey Method: Ground surveys. Tidal stage is not a factor at this area.

Site 6: Winnocks Neck

Description: This area consists of estuarine marsh and pannes. Shorebirds use the pannes

for feeding and roosting predominantly around the higher ranges of the tide. Intertidalmudflats of the Scarborough River are exposed at low tide. Large numbers of shorebirds

concentrate in this area, just up river from the railroad bridge, as the incoming tide begins

covering the flats. Access points are located at Winnocks Neck Road, Salt Marsh Roadand the railroad tracks.

Survey Method: Ground surveys of the pannes should be conducted at the higher rangesof the tide for feeding and roosting birds; and/or ground surveys of the river mudflats

north of the railroad tracks should be conducted on the incoming tide.

Site 7: Ocean View Lane

Description: This site consists of estuarine, emergent marsh and pannes. Shorebirds use

the pannes for feeding and roosting predominantly around higher ranges of the tide.Access is by a dirt road at the end of Ocean View lane.

Survey Methods: Ground surveys of the pannes should be conducted at the higherranges of the tide for feeding and roosting birds.

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Biddeford Pool

Description: Located about 7.5 miles south of Scarborough Marsh on the coast of Maine,

Biddeford Pool is a tidal inlet formed by two spits of land connecting to an island. The Poolconsists of large mudflats interspersed with shallow pools in the grassy areas. The beaches along

the outer shores of Biddeford Pool are rocky, but the two barriers are made up of long stretches

of sandy beach. The shorebird hotspots within the site are Fletcher Neck and Back Bay within

the Pool and Fortunes Rocks to the southwest of the Pool.

The emergent marsh along the north side of Fletcher Neck is used extensively as roosting habitat.

Observers can stand in the marsh just as the incoming tide covers the last areas of exposed flats

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and watch large numbers of shorebirds coming in to roost. Fletcher Neck can be accessed from

Route 208, parking behind Hatties Deli (one mile from Route 9-208 junction) or parking spaces

along Mile Stretch Road (Route 208).

Another particularly important roost area is the emergent marsh on the north side of Biddeford

Pool, in Back Bay. There is a small sand/gravel/cobble beach that often supports large numbersof roosting shorebirds. This location is accessed across private property on Hills Beach Road.

Fortunes Rocks consists of a long narrow sandy beach with patches of rocky shoreline and at lowtide sand and mud flats. Shorebirds frequently roost in fair numbers on the rock areas. The east

side of this site, South Point and Beach Island, also supports large numbers of Purple Sandpipers

during winter. Access is from Public Beach Parking Lot, Northwest corner of 5th street, and

parking spaces along Mile Stretch Road.

Biddeford Pool is easily accessed from Route 208. Visibility is good for the entire site and

observation points can be found easily from Fletcher Neck right behind Hatties Deli and the

Back Bay marshes right off Hills Beach Road. Another important survey area is the sand barlocated between Hills Beach and Basket Island.

The most common species from ISS maximum count data are: BBPL (434), LBPL, GRYE (57),

LEYE (21), WHIM (34), RUTU (75), REKN (10), SAND (200), SESA (650), LESA (322),

DUNL (81), SBDO (105) and SEPL (60).

All inter-tidal areas in Maine are public. However, the area above the high water mark

surrounding Biddeford Pool is privately owned.

Survey Method: Ground surveys should be conducted three hours before high tide when the

flats are almost covered and birds are concentrated on the last bits of mud or beginning to

concentrate at the roosting areas (dashed circles on the map). Survey should take about threehours, before and during high tide. The Fortunes Rocks area should be walked end to end.



Measurement bias: *


Local Contacts: Kate OBrien, Rachel Carson National Wildlife Refuge; Nancy McReel, ISS

Cooperator.

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Sampson Cove, Cape Porpoise

Description: Sampson Cove is located just east of Kennebunkport and Cape Porpoise in Maine.

The site is at the end of Fisher Road, off of Route 9. Ownership is mixed with some portions ofthe area owned by Rachel Carson NWR and other portions privately owned. This site contains

approximately 66,432 square meters of creek bottom, approximately 95% of which is exposed at

low tide due to it being wide and shallow. There are also approximately 34,698 square meters ofmarsh grass within this site and visibility can be hampered by it. But disturbance is relatively low

and large portions of the marsh, across from the survey point and to the west, are owned and

managed by Rachel Carson NWR.

Kate OBrien, wildlife biologist for Rachel Carson NWR, has provided shorebird survey data

from Samspon Cove. The most common species from 2004 peak survey count data are: SEPL

(100), BBPL (27), SESA (100), SBDO (38) and PEEP (150).

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Access: Sampson Cove can be accessed off of Fisher Road. Take Route 9 to the center of Cape

Porpoise and turn east at the intersection where the road heads towards the harbor. Fisher Road is

on the left hand side. The access point to Sampson Cove is private. Rachel Carson NWR must becontacted in advance to arrange for permission.

The main survey areas and vantage points within this site are located at the end of Fisher Road.

One vantage point is directly ahead and towards the ocean to the east. A second vantage pointcan be accessed by walking along the shore and slightly to the west. Birds tend to concentrate on

the mudflats at low tide and also along the salt marsh across the river.

Survey Method: Ground surveys should be conducted within two hours of low tide. The survey

area is large and there are often a lot of birds, so a scope is a must. According to Kate OBrien,

surveyors will have a good view of the creek bed if they walk out onto the rocks. The visibilityof birds is good on the creek-bed, but there is a small grass island to the northwest which

obstructs vision. Walking down to the second survey point should provide a better view of birds

that may be behind the grass island.

Selection Bias: Selection bias will be a factor if the grass island at this site prevents certainportions from being surveyed and changes occur in shorebird habitat use within these areas.

Measurement error: The visibility of birds occurring in portions of this area is poor. This could

lead to measurement error in information reported from this site, particularly if there are many

birds present behind tall grass. It is anticipated that measurement error will remain relativelyconstant over time and will not impair monitoring.

Measurement bias: Changes in vegetation or survey method at this site may result in this bias.

Pilot Studies: Low detection rates may result from visibility problems; detection rates should be

calculated to adjust surveys accordingly. Vantage points may need to be adjusted to reducemeasurement error at this site.

Local Contact:Kate OBrien, Wildlife Biologist, Rachel Carson National Wildlife Refuge.

(207) 646-9226.

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Ox Cart Lane, Lower Wells

Description: Ox Cart Lane is located on the Webhannet River, just inside Wells Beach in

southern Maine. This site is in the Lower Wells Division of Rachel Carson National WildlifeRefuge. It consists of 60,973 sq meters of tidal creek located at the end of Ox Cart Lane. In this

area approximately 90% of the muddy Webhannet River bottom is exposed at low tide. Human

disturbance at this site is relatively low and the area is protected for wildlife by Rachel Carson

NWR. Access to refuge sites, including all salt marsh, is restricted and advance permission withrefuge personnel is required.

Kate OBrien, wildlife biologist for Rachel Carson NWR, has provided shorebird survey datafrom Ox Cart Lane. The most common species from 2004 peak survey count data are: SEPL

(250), LEYE (15), GRYE (40), WILL (15), SESA (208), LESA (75) and PEEP (250).

Access: To reach this site, take Mile Road heading east off Route 9. The intersection of Route 9

and Mile Road is less than a mile north of the village of Charles Chase Corner. Coming down

Mile Road, you will see the Ox Cart Motel on the left. Follow Ox Cart Laneuntil it becomes a

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dirt road. Stop where the dirt road ends and park. Walk to the top of the rise where there is an old

foundation and survey to the north. Then survey the area from the vantage point of the muddy

ramp on the left. Walking further down the dirt road takes one to the marsh edge and the southpoint of the survey area.

Visibility on the mudflats is good, but in the salt marsh, it is reduced due to light conditions andvegetation height. According to Kate OBrien, surveyors would do well to begin with the north

section first and then count from the southern point, looking north/northeast.

Survey Method: Ground surveys should be conducted within two hours of low tide by driving to

the end of Ox Cart Lane. Park your car and walk to the top of the hill with the old foundation.

After the northern section is surveyed, walk down the dirt road surveying birds in the southern

section of the river bottom and marsh. Use caution so as not to flush birds. Surveys of this areashould take less than one hour. A spotting scope is a must.

Selection Bias:The larger marsh at this site is partly obscured by tall grasses and birds foraging

along the margins may not be visible from points along the road.

Measurement error: This can be a problem when viewing and counting distant birds, such asyellowlegs, which are visible at greater distances than small peeps. A pilot study is needed to

establish how measurement error varies among species at this site.

Measurement bias: Future management and/or restoration of the marsh involving vegetationremoval could result in bias over time. To determine the extent of such bias, changes in

vegetation from year to year should be documented. Additionally, the vantage points for counting

shorebirds may have to be adjusted between surveys if viewing conditions change in response tovegetation growth.

Pilot Studies: Low detection rates may result from visibility problems; detection rates should becalculated to adjust surveys accordingly.

Local Contacts:Kate OBrien, Wildlife Biologist, Rachel Carson National Wildlife Refuge(207) 646-9226

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Bluff and Stratton Islands

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Description: Bluff and Stratton Islands are located in Saco Bay, about 1 miles due south of

Prouts Neck. The islands are 20 feet high and grass covered, supporting seabird colonies as well

as significant numbers of roosting shorebirds. Both islands are owned by the National AudubonSociety. This site is an active research station and therefore not readily accessible to most

individuals. Maine Dept of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife (MDIFW) biologist, Lindsay Tudor,

believes a large percentage of the shorebirds that roost here feed in Scarborough Marsh.

National Audubon Society - Seabird Restoration Program owns and manages Stratton Island as

the Phineas W. Sprague Wildlife Sanctuary. A field team stays on the island from the early partof May through mid-August. They have worked with MDIFW in the past to provide shorebirds

surveys for the ISS, and will continue to monitor shorebird use during their summer research.

According to Scott Hall, they may be able to provide a few additional counts in April, September

and October provided that transportation to the island can be arranged.

The most numerous species from ISS maximum count data are: BBPL (250), DUNL (13), GRYE

(17), LEYE (30), REKN (354), RUTU (300), SAND (111), SESA (1,050), LESA (75), SEPL

(300), SBDO (845) and WHIM (65).

Survey Method: Access to the islands is by boat. Ground surveys should be conducted on site.For practical reasons, island research staff would be best qualified to survey the site.

Selection Bias: This site supports colonies of breeding birds during the summer and access is

restricted for research and monitoring work. There is a potential for selection bias if a surveyscannot be arranged under the supervision of island research staff.


Measurement bias: *


Local contacts: Scott Hall, Research Coordinator, NAS - Seabird Restoration Program.

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BCR 14 Results Shorebirds

Table 1. Focal shorebird species for BCR 14

CODE SPECIES

BBPL Black-bellied Plover SEPL Semipalmated Plover

AMOY American Oystercatcher

GRYE Greater Yellowlegs

LEYE Lesser Yellowlegs

SOSA Solitary Sandpiper

SPSA Spotted Sandpiper

WHIM Whimbrel

RUTU Ruddy Turnstone

REKN Red Knot

SAND Sanderling

SESA Semipalmated Sandpiper

LESA Least Sandpiper

WRSA White-rump Sandpiper

DUNL Dunlin

SBDO Short-billed Dowitcher

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Site Descriptions-Maine

Presumpscot River and Mackworth Flats

Presumpscot River

Description: The lower Presumpscot River contains an expansive mudflat area that provides

very productive feeding ground for many birds. There is a waste water treatment plant nearby,

which seems to provide a great deal of forage for shorebirds. Shorebird species seen at this siteinclude: Black-bellied Plover, Killdeer, Semipalmated Sandpiper, Short-billed Dowitcher and

both yellowleg species. Protected by Maine Audubon Society, this site is accessible from

Gilsland Farm Wildlife Sanctuary or through the waste water treatment plant.

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Survey Method: Ground surveys of the mudflats should be conducted at low tide.


Measurement Error: *

Measurement Bias: *


Mackworth Flats

Description:This site is characterized by extensive mudflats and some marsh lands. Boundaries

extend from Route 1 on the western edge to the Brothers Islands on the eastern point. Mackworth

Flats may be accessed either by the bridge to Mackworth Island or by way of the PortlandCountry Club. The most common species from MDIFW data are: SESA, yellowlegs species and

unidentified peep.

Survey Method: Ground surveys of the mudflats should be conducted at low tide.



Measurement Bias: *


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Seawall Beach and Popham Beach State Park

Seawall Beach:

Description: Seawall Beach is a major shorebird roosting area that consists of a long private

sandy beach bordered by a salt marsh and the Sprague River to the north. Large concentrations of

shorebirds have been found roosting and feeding on the sandy beach. The salt marsh along theSprague River also supports roosting and feeding habitat for shorebirds. Seawall Beach and

Popham Beach are separated by the Morse River. During an August, 1994 survey by MDIFW,

approximately 1,000 shorebirds were observed flying back and forth from Popham Beach,Seawall Beach and three rock islands located just off the mainland. Species observed included

Semipalmated Plover, Least Sandpiper, Sanderling, Semipalmated Sandpiper and Piping Plover.

Seawall Beach is owned by the Small Point Association, which also owns Small Point Beach to

the south. The inland shores are owned by the Bates-Morse Mountain Conservation AreaCorporation, which is dedicated to managing the area for scientific research and education. The

area is further protected by an easement held by the Nature Conservancy.

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The most numerous species from ISS maximum count data are: BBPL (30), GRYE (12), LEYE

(15), LESA (40), SESA (2,500), WRSA (14), RUTU (24), SAND (500), SEPL (400) and SBDO

(30).

Access: There is no car access to Seawall Beach, but there is a parking lot off Route 216. Park

here and take the dirt road leading over Morse Mountain down to the beach.

Survey Method: Ground surveys should be conducted at high tide. On the eastern point of

Seawall Beach, it is worth looking across the Morse River outflow for shorebirds that can beseen feeding and roosting on the southwest end of Hunnewell/Popham beach area.


Measurement Error: The heavy interchange of birds moving back and forth between Seawall

and Popham presents a potential for double-counting and measurement bias.

Measurement Bias: Coordinated surveys, with an observer fitted to each of the two beaches,will help to minimize this bias. It will be helpful too if surveyors could report whether or not

they observed shorebirds moving back and forth between the two beaches.


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observed included Semipalmated plovers, Least Sandpiper, Sanderling, Semipalmated Sandpiper

and Piping Plover.

Survey Method: Ground surveys of the beach should be conducted at high tide.


Measurement Error: The heavy interchange of birds moving back and forth between Seawall

and Popham presents a potential for double-counting and measurement bias.

Measurement Bias: Coordinated surveys, with an observer fitted to each of the two beach sites,

will help to minimize this bias. It will be helpful too if surveyors could report whether or not

they observed shorebirds moving back and forth between the two beaches.


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Reid State Park

Description: Reid State Park is managed by the Maine DOC. Park habitats include sand beachand dunes, tidal river, lagoon, salt marshes, rocky headlands, and woodland. The park is located

at the end of Seguinland Road.

MDIFW surveys observed shorebirds at five separate areas (A-E). There are two very large sand

beach communities, a small sand/gravel beach, a salt hay marsh, and a brackish pool. Site A is

located along both sides of the road leading to Todds Point. This site is a roosting and feedingarea with some shallow pools and mud flats. Least Sandpipers and Semipalmated Sandpipers

were seen feeding and roosting in a small pool when the tide was two-thirds high and rising.

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Todds Point, Site B, is a large sand beach with an adjacent marsh that is used for roosting and

feeding. When beachgoer disturbance is high, most of the shorebirds congregate at the very tip of

the point. At other times, many shorebirds were seen roosting and feeding at the waters edgearound seaweed and other beach debris on the upper slope, and on exposed mud flats in the

adjacent marsh. Shorebirds observed included: Ruddy Turnstones, Semipalmated Plovers, Least

Sandpipers, Sanderling, Semipalmated Sandpipers and one Whimbrel (feeding in the salt marsh).Griffiths Beach, Site C, is the larger sand beach in the park, which usually has higher levels of

human disturbance than Todds Point. At the northern end of the beach, the shoreline changes to

a feeding area. A brackish pool and salt marsh, Site D, is located directly behind the northern endof Griffiths Beach. Black-bellied Plovers and one Least Sandpiper were observed feeding and

roosting in the brackish pool and in the marsh. Site E is located at the northern-most end of the

park and consists of a small sand/gravel beach and some rock islands just offshore. Black-

bellied Plovers and Ruddy Turnstones were seen roosting on the offshore rock islands.

The most numerous species from ISS maximum count data are: BBPL (347), LESA (41), RUTU

(43), SAND (443), SEPL (266) and SESA (193).

Survey Method: Ground surveys should be conducted at high tide.



Measurement Bias: *


Local Contacts: Ted Allen, ISS Cooperator

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Weskeag Marsh

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Description: Weskeag Marsh is a salt hay salt marsh community with abundant ditches, pools

and pannes. The site is located at the head of the Weskeag River and accessible off Buttermilk

Lane in South Thomaston. Large numbers of shorebirds and waterfowl congregate here to feedand roost. Shorebirds observed include Black-bellied Plover, Killdeer, Semipalmated Plover,

Least Sandpiper, Semipalmated Sandpiper, Spotted Sandpiper, White-rumped Sandpiper, Short-

billed Dowitcher, Willet, Greater and Lesser Yellowlegs. The most numerous species from ISSmaximum count data are: BBPL (800), DUNL (125), SEPL (475), LESA (250), SESA (2,000),

SBDO (400), WILL, GRYE (92) and LEYE (300).

Survey Method: Ground survey the marsh at high tide.



Measurement Bias: *


Local contacts: Ron Joseph, Biologist, USFWS.

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Over Point and Cove

Description: Over Point and Cove are located on the west side of Petit Manan Point. At high tide

this site is very good for supporting a variety of roosting shorebirds on the sand-gravel and

cobble point. At low tide, in the sand and gravel, no shorebirds were observed feeding during the

one observation by MDIFW. The most common identified species from MDIFW data are:BBPL, SESA, SEPL, LESA, SBDO, GRYE, and LEYE.

To access the site, take Pigeon Hill Road past the gate and parking areas for the Petit MananNWR. The road will be the first right hand turn down to a big cottage and a small church.

On the left there is a small parking area, which looks out onto Over Point.

Survey Method: Ground surveys at high tide.

Selection Bias: None. Measurement Error: * Measurement Bias: *


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Back Bay, Mill River, and Flat Bay

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Flat Bay

Description: Flat Bay is located in Harrington. It has substantial mudflats that host thousands offeeding shorebirds. There are no roosting areas at this site. The most common species from

MDIFW data are: BBPL, SEPL, SESA, SBDO, GRYE, LEYE, and numerous unidentified peep.

Easy access also makes this a very popular area for clammers and wormers.

This site is accessed from the end of Oak Point Road.

Survey Method: Ground surveys at low tide.



Measurement Bias: *


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Lower Wass Cove, Upper Wass Cove, and Pleasant River

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Lower Wass Cove

Description: Lower Wass Cove is located in Harrington on the west side of the Pleasant River.The cove provides highly productive mudflats at low tide, attracting hundreds of Semipalmated

Sandpipers, Semipalmated Plovers, a few Black-bellied Plovers, and Greater and Lesser

Yellowlegs. There are no high tide roosting areas within this site. This is a very popular site forwormers and clammers.

To access the cove, take a left off of Ripley Neck Road onto Wards Cove Road, turn left at the Tand park on the side of the road next to the first camp on the right.




Measurement Bias: *


Upper Wass Cove

Description: The inside of Upper Wass Cove provides very productive mudflats for feeding at

low tide. The outer portion of the cove consists of large mussel beds and may not be asproductive for the smaller shorebirds. The most common species from MDIFW data are: SEPL,

SESA, LESA. This cove is also a popular area for clammers and wormers.

To access the cove, take a left off Ripley Neck Road onto Wards Cove Road, go left at the T, and

take the second right at the bottom of the hill. There is parking there for the clammers/wormers.




Measurement Bias: *


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Pleasant River

Description: The east side of the Pleasant River, opposite of Dyer Cove and Upper Wass Cove,has extensive mudflats exposed at low tide. This cove is an excellent feeding area. The most

common species from MDIFW data are: BBPL, SEPL, SESA, LESA, SBDO, GRYE, LEYE,

and numerous unidentified peep.

The best way to access this site is to pull off to the side of the South Addison road and walk the

shoreline the length of the site.

Survey Method: Ground survey by walking the length of the site at low tide.



Measurement Bias: *


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Crowley Island

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Description: Located about 2 miles due west of Jonesport, Crowley Island is a large island in

close proximity to the mainland and surrounded by the Indian and the West rivers. It is a

productive feeding area with extensive mud flats on either side of the island at low tide. This sitealso serves as a limited roosting area with protection from the elements. Roosting has been

observed on large boulders exposed at high tide on both sides of the island. An unfinished bridge

leading to the island is used by anglers and as an access point for many worm diggers andclammers. Human disturbance is minimal with no houses near this area and boat traffic is light.

Development of this island could deter shorebirds from frequenting it. The most common species

from MDIFW data are: BBPL, SEPL, SESA, SBDO and numerous unidentified peep.

Access to the island is by taking Route 187 to Indian River, then taking the dirt road on the right

at Grange Hall to the end of the road at Crowley Island Bridge.

Survey Method: Ground surveys should be conducted at low tide.



Measurement Bias: *

Pilot Studies: This site may need to be sub-sampled if the mudflats are too expansive to cover

completely.

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Lubec: Gravel Bar, Flats, Center, and Medical Center

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Lubec Gravel Bar:

Description: Lubec Gravel Bar is an exposed cobble spit with a tidal lagoon between thesandbar and west Quoddy head. This site is a roost used by many of the shorebirds observed

feeding over on Lubec flats. It may have light human disturbance. The most common species

from MDIFW data are: BBPL, SESA, SEPL and numerous unidentified peeps. The gravel barmay be accessed by walking behind the house with the solarium or past the Eastern Most Gift

Shop on the left off of West Quoddy Head Road.

Survey Method: Ground survey should be conducted at high tide for roosting birds.



Measurement Bias: *


Lubec Flats:

Description: At low tide, Lubec Flats is an extensive mud flat with a gravel bar. The flat and

gravel bar are feeding sites. At high tide, this site supports a moderately sized estuarine salt

marsh with salt pannes. The shoreline consists of sand/gravel beach. There are no man-madestructures on or near the gravel bar, which is owned by MDIFW and a Wildlife Management

Area open to the public. MDIFW has observed some human disturbance, mainly from bird

watchers and people walking their dogs along the beach. There is evidence (garbage, burneddebris, etc.) that there may be more disturbance at night. The most numerous species from ISS

maximum count data are: BBPL (1,000), LESA (226), SAND (1,000), SEPL (1,700) and SESA

(1,389).

Access to Lubec Flats is from Route 189 on Lubec Neck. Heading south from Rte 189, take

South Lubec Road toward West Quoddy Head State Park. Then turn left onto a dirt road across

from the Wheel Magic wool shop.




Measurement Bias: *


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Lubec Medical Center:

Description: Lubec Medical Center also consists of two separate survey areas (LMC Site A andLMC Site B on the map). Both are primarily feeding areas and very few shorebirds have been

observed roosting. Lubec Medical Center site A consists of a sand and gravel beach with some

cobble just southeast of Mowry Point and the Lubec Narrows. There is light human disturbancehere and no boat traffic. There is a water treatment plant nearby and a pier on the eastern edge of

the survey area. The sand/gravel flat supports about 40% algae mat cover.

Lubec Medical Center site B consists of a large sandbar located further out from shore, which isexposed at mid to low tides. Numbers of roosting birds on the sandbar here increased during later

fall season observations by MDIFW, perhaps because the area is protected from northern winds

in September and October. The most numerous species from ISS maximum count data are:

BBPL (200), LESA (100), SESA (2,000), SAND (100) and SEPL (300).

To access the survey areas at Lubec Medical Center, turn right on the street just before the

International Bridge over to Campobello Island. Lubec Medical Center is at the end of the street

past the waste water treatment facility. Surveys of the large sandbar at site B should be done bywalking the beach with the aid of a high-powered scope.



Measurement Error: This may be a problem when viewing and counting distant birds in so far

as yellowlegs species are visible at greater distances than small peeps. A pilot study may be

needed to establish how measurement error varies among species at this site.

Measurement Bias: *


Local contacts: Lindsay Tudor, Biologist, Wildlife Resource Assessment Section, ME Dept. ofInland Fisheries and Wildlife.

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Carrying Place Cove, Eastport

Description: Carrying Place Cove in Eastport is an extensive mud flat with a 90% algae matcover at low tide. Mathews Island, although never surveyed, could be a potential roost site with a

rocky shoreline. No boat traffic or human disturbance was observed. There are a few buildings

within 200 feet of the high water mark. This site was resurveyed by MDIFW in 1998 and washeavily used by feeding sandpipers during September when the tide was 2/3 high. Over 1,500

birds were observed on two occasions. The most numerous species from ISS maximum count

data are: BBPL (24), LESA (37), SESA (3,500), SAND (21) SEPL (25).

The best access to the cove is along Route 190 south on the right hand side of the road. Another

access point is at the end of Eastport Municipal Airport road, via private property. Parking isavailable on Route 190 at the Watchable Wildlife Sign.




Measurement Bias: *

Pilot Studies: Initial survey of Matthews Island should be conducted at high tide to check for

roosting birds. Also, best survey time should be determined (falling or rising tide).

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Acknowledgements

I would like to thank Lindsay Tudor for her help in providing the list of sites and informationabout them for this report.

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References

Canadian Wildlife Service. Canadian Shorebird Conservation Plan. Accessed August 2008.http://www.cws-scf.ec.gc.ca/mbc-com/default.asp?lang=en&n=D1610AB7 .

U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service. U.S. Shorebird Plan. Accessed August 2008.http://www.fws.gov/shorebirdplan/RegionalShorebird/RegionsMap.asp
http://www.cws-scf.ec.gc.ca/mbc-com/default.asp?lang=en&n=D1610AB7http://www.fws.gov/shorebirdplan/RegionalShorebird/RegionsMap.asphttp://www.cws-scf.ec.gc.ca/mbc-com/default.asp?lang=en&n=D1610AB7http://www.fws.gov/shorebirdplan/RegionalShorebird/RegionsMap.asp

Maine BCR 30 and 14

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