January / February 2003

PUBLISHED BY THE CONNECTICUT DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION BUREAU OF NATURAL RESOURCES l WILDLIFE DIVISION

2002 The Year in Review see page 3

January / February 2003 Connecticut Wildlife 1 Volume 23, Number 1 Connecticut From Wildlife Published bimonthly by State of Connecticut Department of Environmental Protection the Director http://dep.state.ct.us Arthur J. Rocque, Jr...... Commissioner David K. Leff ...... Deputy Commissioner A portion of this issue of Connecticut Wildlife is devoted to a review of Edward C. Parker ...... Chief, Bureau of Natural Resources activities conducted in 2002. Certainly, the highlight of the year was the Wildlife Division opportunity to initiate many new projects under a grant from the federal 79 Elm Street, Hartford, CT 06106-5127 (860-424-3011) Wildlife Conservation and Restoration Program (WCRP). Given the fact that Dale May ...... Director all of the WCRP projects were initiated without any new permanent staff, it Peter Bogue ...... Assistant Director (Management) Greg Chasko ...... Assistant Director (Assessment) was a challenge to get these projects underway while maintaining our Mark Clavette ...... Recreation Management traditional programs. However, thanks to outstanding contributions from Chris Vann ...... Technical Assistance Biologist Laurie Fortin ...... Wildlife Technician seasonal workers, contract personnel, and volunteers, coupled with oversight Brenda Marquez ...... Secretary and direct participation by our permanent staff, a great deal of important and Shana Shafer ...... Office Assistant exciting work was accomplished in 2002. Eastern District Area Headquarters 209 Hebron Road, Marlborough, CT 06447 (860-295-9523) While many of the WCRP projects will continue into 2003, the Wildlife Paul Rothbart ...... District Supervising Biologist Division will be evaluating additional opportunities as they arise. Two new Ann Kilpatrick ...... Eastern District Biologist Rich Garini ...... DEP-DOC Crew Supervisor federal programs, the Landowner Incentive Program (LIP) and State Wildlife Franklin W.M.A. Grants (SWG) provide federal funds on a cost-share basis to the states. LIP, if 391 Route 32, N. Franklin, CT 06254 (860-642-7239) developed in concert with the Natural Resource Conservation Service’s (NRCS) Howard Kilpatrick ...... Deer/Turkey Program Biologist Farm Bill programs and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s (USFWS) Mike Gregonis ...... Deer/Turkey Program Biologist Julie Victoria ...... Nonharvested Wildlife Program Biologist Partners In Wildlife program, would provide DEP-administered planning and Min Huang ...... Waterfowl Program Biologist technical assistance to implement wildlife management on private lands. Paul Capotosto ...... Wetlands Restoration Biologist Roger Wolfe ...... Mosquito Management Coordinator Because private citizens own the vast majority of Connecticut’s landscape, an Bob Kalinowski ...... CE/FS Coordinator (East) incentive-based private lands program is critical to preserving the State’s Winnie Reid ...... Secretary biodiversity. Heather Overturf ...... Program Assistant Sessions Woods W.M.A. Like WCRP, the SWG program would direct funding to species and habitats P.O. Box 1550, Burlington, CT 06013-1550 (860-675-8130) with the greatest conservation need. One of the first projects to be Peter Good ...... Supervising Wildlife Biologist Steve Jackson ...... Supervising Wildlife Biologist implemented under SWG will be the development of a statewide wildlife Paul Rego ...... Furbearer Program Biologist conservation plan. The plan must be approved by USFWS as a condition of Jenny Dickson ...... Nonharvested Wildlife Program Biologist receiving funding through WCRP and SWG. The development of the wildlife Peter Picone ...... Urban Wildlife Program Biologist Judy Wilson ...... Western District Biologist conservation plan will take approximately one year and will include an Dave Kubas ...... CE/FS Coordinator (West) evaluation of all existing natural resources data and the identification of Geoffrey Krukar ...... Wildlife Technician Jim Warner ...... Field Assistant conservation goals, objectives, strategies and priorities. Trish Cernik ...... Program Assistant Lisa Gaski ...... Clerk The new federal funding opportunities (WCRP, LIP, SWG) are the result of Wildlife Outreach Unit / Connecticut Wildlife nearly two decades of campaigning on behalf of the conservation community Kathy Herz ...... Editor seeking to establish a permanent and predictable funding base for Paul Fusco ...... Media Designer/Photographer comprehensive wildlife conservation. Because these programs have been Laura Rogers-Castro ...... Education/Outreach developed as federal/state partnerships, the states are required to provide a Wetlands Habitat & Mosquito Management Crew Hdqtrs. 51 Mill Road, Madison, CT 06443 financial match as a condition of receiving federal funds. The ability of the Daniel Shaw ...... Mosquito Control Specialist states to take advantage of these programs will largely depend upon each Steven Rosa ...... Mosquito Control Specialist state’s ability and willingness to provide the required matching funds. The Federal Aid in Wildlife Restoration Program was It is an unfortunate coincidence that this long awaited federal support has initiated by sportsmen and conservationists to provide materialized at a time when many states are dealing with budget deficits. states with funding for wildlife management and research programs, habitat acquisition, wildlife management area However, the state match requirements are very reasonable and the long-term development and hunter education programs. Each issue of health of our wildlife is at stake. Hopefully, Connecticut will be able to make Connecticut Wildlife contains articles reporting on Wildlife Division projects funded entirely or in part with federal aid full use of these vitally important programs. --Dale W. May monies.

The Connecticut Department of Environmental Protection is an equal opportunity agency that provides services, Cover: facilities, and employment opportunities without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, physical and mental Wildlife Division research assistants Mark Freeman (in the bear disability, national origin, ancestry, marital status, and trap) and Henri Woods II have been busy trapping black bears political beliefs. and marking them with ear tags as part of a black bear research The Wildlife Division grants permission to reprint text, not artwork, provided the DEP project (see next page for more information). Wildlife Division is credited. Artwork printed in this publication is copyrighted by the CT DEP Wildlife Division. Any unauthorized use of this artwork is prohibited. Please contact Photo by Paul J. Fusco the editor at the Sessions Woods office to obtain permission for reprinting articles.

2 Connecticut Wildlife January / February 2003 Year in Review 2002 CONNECTICUT DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION - BUREAU OF NATURAL RESOURCES - WILDLIFE DIVISION

2002 was a busy year for the DEP Wildlife Division, thanks in part to a one-time federal grant through the Wildlife Conservation and P. J. FUSCO Restoration Program (WCRP). This grant en- abled the Division to undertake 21 new, two-year projects that cover research, habitat enhance- ment, wildlife outreach and recreation. WCRP Projects Take Center Stage Black Bears: The Black Bear Project was initiated to provide a more accurate estimate of how many bears reside in the state. From April to December, Division staff set out baited traps to capture black bears. Trapping will resume again in April 2003. In 2002, 25 bears were live- trapped and tagged with coded ear tags, and seven females were fitted with radio-collars. Radio telemetry equipment is being used to track the movements of the collared bears and to determine if any of the females give birth over the winter. Cottontail Rabbits: The second year of the New England and eastern cottontail distribution study was completed. Over 500 specimens from 97 towns were collected and identified. The New A live-trapped black bear is immobilized so that data can be collected by Wildlife Division England cottontail, a species of special concern, research assistant Mark Freeman (left), wildlife biologist Paul Rego (center) and volunteer was documented from 20 towns. A radio-telem- Heather Freeman. etry study also was initiated to evaluate home range size, habitat use and mortality rates of both for monitoring populations of grassland depen- first three months, Master Wildlife Conserva- cottontail species. dent birds, many of which are declining. tionists performed over 200 hours of volun- Invertebrates: A project to conduct com- Potential red-headed woodpecker habitat teer service, assisting with Division outreach prehensive natural resource inventories at Gos- was surveyed to provide more information and research efforts. Many of these volun- hen and Babcock Pond Wildlife Management about the current status of this state endan- teers also served on town commissions and Areas involved surveys of butterflies during gered species. implemented local wildlife habitat enhance- May to October. Nesting herons and egrets were monitored ment projects. Work continued on cooperative projects to closely at the Charles Island Natural Area Pre- The Division assisted nine urban schools in develop a website for the identification of native serve in Long Island Sound near Milford. De- creating schoolyard butterfly and hummingbird dragonflies and damselflies, as well as a pocket spite educational signs, protective fencing and the gardens. Four wildlife demonstration gardens guide to identify Connecticut's freshwater mus- seasonal closure of the nesting area, the birds also were created in urban parks. sels. Both projects will be an asset to future field were threatened by severe human disturbance Five new exhibits on habitat and endangered surveys of these invertebrates. this past season. Unfortunately, the DEP was species are currently in progress at the Division’s Horseshoe crab breeding areas were sur- forced to close off all public access to both Sessions Woods Conservation Education Center veyed in April and May to document the impor- Charles and Duck Islands (Westbrook) into in Burlington. tance of these areas to migrating shorebirds. September to protect these threatened and special The Division maintains a website Resulting information will enable biologists to concern species. (www.dep.state.ct.us/burnatr/wildlife) to pro- better evaluate the potential impacts of changes in Recreation: Efforts to develop a Connecti- vide the public with up-to-date information. horseshoe crab harvest rates. cut Coastal Birding Trail got off to a great start. New items added to the website included over Birds: Two major bird surveys were con- Public meetings were held, a website 20 new wildlife stories, a database containing ducted under the WCRP Program. The Migra- (www.ctbirdingtrails.org) was developed and the names and specialties of licensed wildlife tory Bird Stopover Habitat Survey was con- nominations for potential stops along the trail are rehabilitators, a listing of volunteer opportu- ducted by Division staff and volunteers during being accepted. The birding trail will guide visi- nities, updated hunting regulations, the spring and fall bird migrations. Results from tors to wildlife refuges, wildlife management downloadable permit applications and a black the survey should help the Division identify areas, parks, historic sites, rivers, lakes and bike bear sighting report page. priority migration stopover sites and guide con- trails, where they can see some of the nearly 400 servation efforts at state and local levels. Grass- species of birds that visit or nest in Connecticut. land birds were the focus of the second major The following four pages of the Education and Outreach: The Master Year in Review 2002 highlight the survey. Division staff and volunteers visited a Wildlife Conservationist Program was initiated series of points for five minutes each in grassland/ to develop a corps of highly-trained Wildlife numerous other responsibilities and farmland areas during June and July and recorded Division volunteers. The program series was accomplishments of the Wildlife all birds seen or heard. This survey is important offered twice to a total of 43 individuals. In the Division.

January / February 2003 SPECIAL REPORT Connecticut Wildlife 3 A project was initiated in Green- Research/Monitoring Population trends of black bear, wich to develop management strate- bobcat and fisher were monitored gies for urban deer populations. It involved beetle larvae were removed from one of through reports of sightings and roadkills. One- capturing, marking and radio-tracking 50 adult Connecticut's largest populations and relocated year sighting totals were the greatest for each female deer, conducting surveys of hunters and to augment a declining population in Massachu- species (622 bear, 153 bobcat and 101 fisher residents and evaluating factors that contribute to setts. Breeding sites of the banded bog skimmer sighting reports). Record numbers of fisher (43) deer-vehicle accidents. Partners in this project are dragonfly were monitored and potential new sites and bobcat (33) vehicle-kills were reported. the University of Connecticut and the Town of were surveyed. Three bears were killed on state roadways. Greenwich. Nesting pairs of state and federally threat- Trappers were surveyed to estimate harvests Spotlight surveys were conducted in ened piping plovers and state threatened least of furbearer species, as well as to determine Groton and Greenwich to evaluate sex ratios terns were monitored at coastal nesting areas. trapping activity levels, incidence of wildlife and fawn recruitment rates in the deer popu- Equipment was contributed by the Division diseases and the use of trapping to address lation in those towns. to the long-term roseate tern project being con- nuisance problems. Biological data was collected at check ducted on Falkner Island, in Long Island Sound, Pelts of furbearer species were tagged to stations during the deer shotgun seasons. and to a foraging fish survey being conducted determine harvest levels and related information. A four-year study to assess the growing along the Connecticut coastline where roseate A record high number of beavers (1,224) were resident Canada goose population was initi- terns feed. harvested during the 2001-2002 trapping sea- ated. Several bird surveys were conducted this son. Trapping activity on state lands was moni- Sixteen major inland impoundments (ponds year, including the breeding waterfowl and mid- tored by analyzing annual harvest reports. Per- or marshes) on state lands were surveyed to winter waterfowl surveys, summer swan survey, mits (100) were issued for 56 of the 83 state land assess waterfowl use, vegetative composition wetland bird call-back survey, woodcock/mourn- trapping units. Approximately 20 percent of the and water quality. The study will continue for two ing dove surveys and grouse drumming counts. statewide harvest of furbearers originated on years. Results will assist in the management of Dabbling ducks were live-trapped during sum- state land. these impoundments. mer and fitted with identifying leg bands. The Carcasses of furbearers were collected from A three-year monitoring program of the annual Midwinter Bald Eagle survey was con- trappers and hunters or salvaged from vehicle recently restored wetlands at the Roger Tory ducted in January. kills. Carcasses of river otters (90) and coyotes Peterson Wildlife Area in Old Lyme was ini- Wildlife Division staff participated in BioBlitz (27) were examined for age and reproductive tiated. 2002 at Mohegan Park in Norwich. The BioBlitz analysis. Coyote stomachs also were examined Bog turtle surveys were conducted at six is an annual event coordinated by the Connecticut as part of a food habits investigation. Necropsies locations. Equipment was provided to a study State Museum of Natural History. The event is were performed on vehicle-killed bobcats (15) documenting the preferred habitat and den based around an intensive 24-hour survey of an and fishers (30) to assess age, reproductive sites of northern copperhead snakes. urban park where participates attempt to identify status and diet. Locations of viable populations of Puritan as many species as possible. Members of the tiger beetles were surveyed as part of a long- Division’s Wildlife Diversity Program surveyed term study. For a third year, Puritan tiger for bats using fine-threaded nets called mist nets. January February March

Every January, volunteers brave the Early successional stage habitats are cold to search for bald eagles wintering in rapidly declining in Connecticut.

Connecticut. All eagles seen at areas P. J. FUSCO Management programs are essential in traditionally used by the birds and in providing old field, grassland, shrubland and areas of suitable habitat are counted in the young forest habitats. Through the combined annual survey. In 2002, 90 volunteers efforts of the DEP, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife reported 54 Service and the USDA’s Wildlife Habitat bald eagles. Incentives Program, 517 acres of early This number successional stage habitat were enhanced on

P. J. FUSCO is lower than wildlife management areas in 2002. the number Management techniques included prescribed of eagles burning, herbicide application, use of a counted in brontosaurus (heavy-duty mower/mulching 2001 (77). machine) and traditional brush mowing. Connecticut The Master Wildlife Conservationist and states to Program was initiated, offering training to the north adults in wildlife management, conservation, had a mild ecology and interpretation. Volunteers agree J. WARNER winter last to give back volunteer service by presenting year and programs at libraries and schools, assisting many eagles with Division research projects and did not implementing conservation programs in their migrate very home towns. In the first three months, Master ©PAUL J. FUSCO far south. Wildlife Conservationists performed over 200 All Rights Reserved hours of volunteer service.

4 Connecticut Wildlife SPECIAL REPORT January / February 2003 Tidal wetlands restoration was completed on Management areas. Cooperating sportsmen’s clubs released 300 acres of the Roger Tory Peterson Wildlife pheasants at various public hunting areas. Area at Great Island, in Old Lyme. This coopera- Eight pairs of bald eagles (state endangered, A survey to assess the attitudes, opinions and tive project included the herbiciding and mowing federally threatened) attempted to nest in the preferences of public land pheasant hunters was of 200 acres of Phragmites, the creation of 30 state. Four nests produced and fledged seven completed as part of an ongoing evaluation of the shallow ponds and pannes and the plugging of chicks (which were banded by the Wildlife pheasant stocking program. Approximately 60 old mosquito grid ditches. The restoration project Division) and two nests failed. Two additional percent of randomly selected hunters responded was made possible due to a grant from the North pairs built nests but did not lay eggs. to the survey. Further evaluation of survey results American Wetland Conservation Act. Bluebird nest boxes (85) located on state should improve the pheasant stocking program. Marsh management projects were initiated or property were inspected and maintained. The A revised map series featuring all major completed in Stratford, East Haven and New wood duck nest box program was reorganized; hunting access areas was completed. The series Haven. Three hundred acres of coastal marshes 250 nest boxes were inspected and maintained. will continue to be updated with newly acquired across the state were treated with herbicide to The fifth year of a deer reduction program properties as they become available. control the invasive plant, Phragmites. The Hop was implemented at the Bluff Point Coastal Signs and gates were installed and bound- River riparian restoration project was completed. Reserve in Groton. The deer reduction program aries were marked at various wildlife manage- Mosquito control specialists inspected coastal has decreased the overabundant deer population ment areas open to hunting, trapping and wildlife state-owned properties for mosquitoes and treated from 228 to 20 deer per square mile. viewing. breeding areas with larvacides throughout the A controlled deer hunt was initiated on The shooting range at the Franklin Wildlife summer. The Wetland Habitat and Mosquito portions of Mansfield Hollow State Park, in facility, which is used by the Conservation Edu- Management Program assisted towns in estab- Mansfield, to reduce impacts of deer on a unique cation/Firearms Safety Program, underwent sev- lishing mosquito surveillance and control pro- plant community, which indirectly affected sev- eral improvements: a 50-yard elevated shooting grams. Staff members met with public health eral rare and endangered invertebrates. deck, a 100-yard shooting platform and an el- officials to review local wetland sites and answer Annual controlled hunts were implemented evated archery shooting deck were constructed. questions about mosquitoes. on about 19,000 acres of privately-owned lands In addition, new specialized trap machines for the A project to maintain and enhance wetlands throughout the state in an effort to assist large range were purchased as part of this project. on state properties involved the installation of landowners in controlling the deer population. A public bird viewing blind was constructed water level control devices at 25 sites, affecting by volunteers at the Goshen Wildlife Manage- over 497 acres. Recreation Management ment Area. Two pairs of peregrine falcons (state endan- Public access for small game hunting was gered) nested in the state. One nest produced and secured through renewals or new agreements fledged two chicks (which were banded by the with eight landowners, totaling 630 acres. Wildlife Division) and one nest failed. Two During the fall hunting season, 18,935 adult other peregrine pairs were in the state but did ring-necked pheasants were released on 68 state- not actively nest. owned, permit-required and state-leased hunting

April May June

A cooperative project to restore 300 acres of tidal wetlands at the Roger Tory Peterson

P. J. FUSCO (3) Wildlife Area in Old Lyme was completed in 2002. A three-year monitoring program was then started at the wildlife area to assess bird use, vegetation recovery and water quality of the recently restored wetlands.

©PAUL J. FUSCO ©PAUL J. FUSCO All Rights Reserved All Rights Reserved In the first year of a four-year study to The Wildlife Division initiated a WCRP- assess the growing resident Canada goose funded project to document the use of population, DEP staff and volunteers captured Connecticut’s major river corridors as 1,236 geese at 28 different sites throughout stopover habitat for spring and fall migratory the state. Of those captured geese, 500 were birds. Migratory bird stopover surveys were fitted with yellow neck collars, with conducted first in the spring and again in the approximately 60 neck collars placed on fall of 2002. A total of 250 points were geese in each of Connecticut's eight counties. surveyed and all birds seen or heard during a The highly visible neck collars will allow 10-minute survey were recorded. The surveys biologists to assess movement patterns, will continue in 2003. survival rates and the population size of Other bird surveys that occurred in resident Canada geese. spring and early summer were grassland bird surveys, wetland bird call-back surveys and breeding waterfowl surveys.

January / February 2003 SPECIAL REPORT Connecticut Wildlife 5 DEP Wildlife Division staff spend Technical Assistance vided to seven schools for the cre- a considerable amount of time re- ation of outdoor classrooms. Assis- sponding to the continuous flood of requests several years was euthanized after it entered a tance was given to four urban communities on for help in resolving wildlife problems and con- home in Goshen. habitat enhancement for wildlife. cerns. Many of these problems involve common The Division administers Nuisance Wild- Technical assistance on managing habitat wildlife that are well adapted to living near people, life Control Operators (NWCOs), who pro- for wildlife was provided to several such as coyotes, foxes, geese, swans, deer, rac- vide commercial wildlife control services to sportsmen’s clubs and towns, affecting 4,353 coons, squirrels, skunks, beavers and bats. persons seeking help in resolving common acres of habitat. Changes in wildlife populations over the years wildlife problems. The Connecticut Nuisance Division staff reviewed and commented on reflect the source of complaints and the number Wildlife Control Operator’s Association works 20 forest cutting plans and 10-year forest man- of calls the Division receives. For example, closely with the Division to train NWCOs in agement plans submitted by the DEP Division of complaints about bears, coyotes and geese have wildlife damage identification and control Forestry. increased dramatically in recent years as the methods. In 2002 there were 233 licensed Approximately 190 federal, state, town and populations of these animals have grown. NWCOs and 57 persons completed NWCO private project proposals were reviewed for Division personnel provide information and training. their potential impacts to wildlife, including guidance about recommended solutions and legal The Division also trains and authorizes threatened and endangered species. control methods for nuisance wildlife situations. wildlife rehabilitators. There are currently 239 Division staff reviewed and rated 135 poten- For problems involving such animals as beavers, wildlife rehabilitators in Connecticut, of which tial state land acquisition proposals for wildlife deer, bear and geese, on-site inspections and 36 are authorized to work with rabies vector value and 23 proposed changes in use for various assistance in resolving severe agricultural, eco- species and five can rehabilitate deer. These state-owned properties. In addition, 59 Munici- logical or public health and safety damages are rehabilitators handled 4,826 birds, 3,365 pal Open Space Grant applications were evalu- often required. For example, field inspections mammals, 167 reptiles/amphibians and 443 ated for their value and impact on wildlife. were conducted at 90 sites where damage was rabies vector species. A website containing a Proposed survey and sampling techniques caused by beavers. directory of wildlife rehabilitators was created for a variety of avian species that were to be used Bears were the subject of an increased num- so that information can be retrieved about by researchers, consultants and others were ber of complaints and calls with concerns. Com- rehabilitators online. reviewed. plaints included 128 instances of bears at or Advice and technical guidance on deer Staff also responded to dozens of emails, damaging birdfeeders, 31 reports of bears in population management was provided to com- phone calls and letters from across the country on garbage, eight livestock attacks, three instances munities or homeowner associations in the technical and general mosquito-related questions. of bee hive damage and four cases of damage to towns of Darien, Wilton, Greenwich and buildings. Traps were set for problem bears on Ridgefield. four occasions but none were captured. A bear Technical assistance in habitat enhance- that was the source of nuisance problems for ment and nature trail development was pro-

July August September

As part of a new WCRP-funded project September is a busy time for the to estimate Connecticut's black bear Division’s Conservation Education/Firearms population, 25 bears were live-trapped and Safety (CE/FS) Program. As people begin to

P. J. FUSCO (3) tagged, and seven females were fitted with prepare for the fall hunting season, telephone radio-collars to determine their movements calls concerning hunting safety classes flood and reproductive success. the Franklin and Sessions Woods offices. Courses in firearms, bow hunting and trapping are offered all year long by certified volunteer instructors at various locations throughout the state. Class information is available on the DEP website and by calling ©PAUL J. FUSCO the Franklin and Sessions Woods offices. All Rights Reserved

With the help of fencing and other protection efforts under the Piping Plover/ Least Tern Recovery Project, 31 pairs of piping plovers (state and federally threatened) fledged 58 young and 224 pairs of least terns (state threatened) fledged 38 young. Nesting beaches were monitored by 22 volunteers who tried to minimize disturbance to the nesting shorebirds and informed beach visitors about recovery efforts.

6 Connecticut Wildlife SPECIAL REPORT January / February 2003 One of the Wildlife Education and Outreach amphibians and the challenge Division’s major functions is to of wildlife management in an provide information on the state’s wildlife The Division’s Furbearer Program was urban state. Biologists also gave numerous and its management. Wildlife information is active in a project of the Northeast Fur Re- media interviews on such topics as bears, constantly provided to the public over the sources Technical Committee to develop coyotes, shorebirds, herons and egrets, bats, telephone and through publications, press teacher resource packets on furbearer man- reptiles and amphibians and bald eagles. releases, meetings, informational displays and agement and trapping. presentations. In conjunction with National Mosquito Sessions Woods Conservation The Division set up informational exhibits at Awareness Week in June, a workshop was conducted for Connecticut Certified Pesticide Education Center several public events, including the Durham and Sessions Woods was the site of 13 scheduled Woodstock Fairs, the annual Hunting and Fish- Applicators to gain recertification credits. The 318 volunteer Conservation Education/ public education programs, 11 school field trips, ing Expo, Sharon Audubon events and Connecti- 10 youth group campouts, field trips and presen- cut Audubon’s annual Eagle Festival in Essex. Firearms Safety (CE/FS) instructors donated 16,213 hours of service to the CE/FS Program. tations for numerous private groups, a Boy Scout Not only did Division staff and Master Wildlife camporee, and meetings and training sessions for Conservationist volunteers interact with thou- A total of 5,577 students graduated from courses in firearms, bowhunting and trapping. In an effort DEP staff. The facility also was the site for Master sands of people, but staff members also gave Wildlife Conservationist training. More than wildlife presentations at the Durham Fair and the to meet the 2002 bow certification requirements, a record number of bow hunting classes (111) 19,000 visitors used the interpretive trails at Eagle Festival. Sessions Woods. Twenty-six backyards were registered by the were offered, graduating a record 2,914 students. A home study version of the CE/FS firearms Habitat management at Sessions Woods in- Urban Wildlife Program as “Connecticut Back- cluded maintenance and enhancement of trail yard Habitats” in the interest of wildlife conser- course was developed and implemented to pro- vide an alternative for students who are unable to demonstrations, four Eagle Scout projects (fire vation. tower renovations and signs, compass course, 2 A booklet entitled Managing Urban Deer in attend the traditional classroom course. Division staff gave numerous presenta- trail bridges and 2 trailhead bulletin boards), 17 Connecticut was published to provide guidance volunteer projects, a controlled burn, enhance- to residents and communities concerned about tions at professional meetings and confer- ences, hunting seminars, conservation orga- ments to the water garden demonstration and an overabundant deer populations. A comprehen- expansion of the butterfly garden. sive report on Connecticut’s Wild Turkey Pro- nization and town meetings, inland wetland commissioners’ training, teacher workshops, The Friends of Sessions Woods purchased gram also was completed. binoculars, microscopes, compasses, spotting A report was completed that summarized school classrooms, college classes, scout meetings and other events. Topics included scopes and taxidermy specimens with a grant three surveys of residents living with urban deer. from the Burlington Fund and the James R. The surveys, which were conducted over a seven- habitat management, deer and wild turkey management, bears, coyotes, bats, backyard Parker Trust to enhance educational programs year period, evaluated residents’ perceptions and at Sessions Woods. The group continues to expectations about deer, deer management, birth wildlife habitat enhancement, mosquito man- agement, endangered species, reptiles and make significant contributions to the programs, control and hunting as a management tool. projects and activities at the facility.

October November December

Several exhibits are planned and being worked on at the Sessions Woods Conservation Education Center, in P. J. FUSCO (3) Burlington. A wild turkey exhibit, funded by the National Wild Turkey Federation was recently completed. Five new exhibits, which are being funded by the WCRP Program, are currently in progress. These Every November, during the deer exhibits will focus shotgun hunting season, Division staff on habitat and ©PAUL J. FUSCO collect biological data from harvested deer endangered to monitor changes in the health of species. Additional All Rights Reserved Connecticut’s deer population. Data portable and collected include age, sex, weight, antler changeable Wildlife Division staff spend a beam diameter (of yearling bucks) and exhibits for use at considerable amount of time responding to location of harvest. fairs, events and the continuous flood of requests for help in other locations resolving wildlife problems and concerns. also are Information and/or guidance about currently being recommended solutions and legal control developed. methods for nuisance wildlife situations are ©PAULJ .F USCO offered to people seeking help. All Rights Reserved

January / February 2003 SPECIAL REPORT Connecticut Wildlife 7 New Wildlife Regulations Established Several new wildlife regulations possessing a Connecticut junior ● The spring turkey season bag became effective in late December, hunting license will be allowed to hunt limit on private land was increased after the 2003 Connecticut Hunting for wild turkey, deer and pheasant. from two to three bearded wild turkeys and Trapping Guides were printed. Licensed junior hunters may hunt on and on state land from one to two These changes will not be included in these specific days when accompanied bearded wild turkeys. the 2003 guide. However, updates will by a licensed adult hunter 18 years of ● The mandatory fall firearms be added to the DEP website. age or older. The adult mentor may not turkey check stations were replaced ● Specific hunting days were carry a firearm. These training days with a mandatory mail-in report card. established when only individuals will provide junior hunters with a ● Hunters with a validated turkey special opportunity to permit for the current season that have learn safe and effective filled their harvest tags are able to hunting practices from assist other turkey hunters with calling

P. J. FUSCO experienced hunters. during that same season. Junior Hunting Training ● The types of non-toxic shot Days for 2003 are sched- allowed for waterfowl hunting in uled for May 3 (spring Connecticut now include tungsten- turkey), October 11 matrix and tungsten-nickel-iron (pheasant) and November (Hevishot). 15 (deer). ● The requirement that hunters ● The spring wild keep carcasses of harvested deer open turkey season was to view while they are being trans- extended by four days. ported to a deer check station was The season will begin on eliminated. the first Wednesday in ● The private land deer archery May and end 25 consecu- season was extended to the last day of ©PAUL J. FUSCO tive days later. In 2003, January in zones designated by the All Rights Reserved the spring turkey season DEP Commissioner. In 2003, the will run from May 7-31. designated zones are 11 and 12.

Tree Seedlings Available from DEP’s State Nursery The Connecticut State Nursery, Christmas Tree Packet (50 blue spruce); old seedlings of some species also are operated by the DEP Division of the Hardwood Packet (5 red oak, 5 black available. Forest Planting Stock orders Forestry since 1905, is now accepting walnut, 4 black cherry, 6 sugar maple); require the approval of a State Service orders from throughout southern New and the Wildlife Packet (2 red mulberry, Forester, who may come to inspect the England for tree and shrub seedlings to 5 silky dogwood, 5 flowering dogwood, planting area. be planted in the spring of 2003. 5 highbush cranberry, 5 elderberry, 2 Seedling orders will be shipped as Landowners may purchase the Connecti- shadbush, 5 chokeberry, 2 eastern red soon as frost is out of the ground at the cut-grown seedlings for use as Christmas cedar). “Homesteader” packets are nursery in Voluntown, usually in late trees, to plant a new forest, to improve available for $26.00 per packet (includes March or early April. Forest Planting wildlife habitat or for many other shipping) to any Connecticut, Massachu- Stock orders will be delivered to one of conservation purposes. setts or Rhode Island landowner. seven convenient pick-up points scat- This program is very popular because The “Forest Planting Stock Program” tered across the state. The landowner of the high-quality of seedlings avail- is available to southern New England will be notified by postcard as to when able. Those interested in purchasing landowners with larger planting areas the order will be ready for pick-up. seedlings should place their order as who intend to: establish a new forest; The seedlings are quite small when soon as possible as the State Nursery will develop a commercial Christmas tree received (from 6-12 inches tall). They quickly sell out of some of the packets. plantation; plant additional trees in an grow slowly for the first year or two, after The State Nursery has two programs existing forest which has sparse tree which more rapid growth and develop- available this year. In the “Homesteader cover; use trees as part of an effort to ment can be expected. Seedling Program,” homeowners can stabilize lands with erosion problems; or To obtain an order form, write or call select from five different packages, each use the trees for any variety of other the DEP State Forester’s Office, 79 Elm designed to meet a different need: the larger-scale conservation needs. St., Hartford, CT 06106; (860) 424- Woodland Packet (25 Norway spruce, 25 Forest Planting Stock orders must be 3630. Information and order forms also white pine); the Windbreak Packet (50 in multiples of 250 per species. The are available on the DEP’s website: northern white cedar or 50 eastern price is $33.00 per bundle of 250 two- www.dep.state.ct.us. hemlock or 50 eastern cedar); the year-old seedlings. Three- and four-year-

8 Connecticut Wildlife January / February 2003 America’s National Wildlife Refuge System Celebrating a Century of Conservation

Commemorating a Pivotal flyways to provide P. J. FUSCO Moment in History crucial stopovers for March 14, 2003, marks a milestone birds to rest, feed, in the history of wildlife conservation breed and recharge in America—the centennial anniver- during their long sary of the National Wildlife Refuge migrations. System. The National Wildlife Refuge More than 400 System is America’s only network of national wildlife federal lands dedicated specifically to refuges are open to wildlife conservation, representing a the public, offering a steadfast commitment to protecting variety of outdoor our wild heritage. activities–fishing, The National Wildlife Refuge hunting, environmen- System story began in 1903 when tal education, President Theodore Roosevelt learned wildlife observation that brown pelicans and white egrets and photography– living on tiny Pelican Island on and making them ©PAUL J. FUSCO Florida’s east coast were being special places to All Rights Reserved slaughtered for their feathers. Taking discover the wonders action to protect the birds and their of nature. Many refuges offer addi- ensuring wild, open space for future habitat, Roosevelt issued an executive tional opportunities for nature hikes, generations. More than 35 million order establishing Pelican Island as bird tours, wildlife drives and other Americans visit national wildlife refuges the first national wildlife refuge. activities. each year to enjoy unique outdoor Roosevelt went on to create 51 experiences. Most people come during more refuges during his presidency, A Network of Wildlife Habitats peak periods of bird migration, when and today the National Wildlife This vast network of prime habitats refuges are thriving with wildlife. Refuge System includes more than 535 gives hundreds of critically endangered Hundreds of thousands of schoolchil- refuges and thousands of waterfowl species a chance to recover, provides dren visit refuges each year to learn more production areas, spanning nearly 94 stopover areas for millions of migrating about the natural world. Sportsmen come million acres across the United States birds and protects premier fisheries. The to fish or hunt, while others savor the and its territories. National Wildlife Refuge System solitude of these special places. National wildlife refuges form a safeguards plants and animals of every And over the last several years, series of stepping stones for ducks, variety, from cactus to caribou, butter- more people and a variety of organiza- geese, caribou, and thousands of other flies to bison and salmon to songbirds. tions have united to protect and birds, mammals, fish, reptiles, amphib- As the land management arm of the strengthen the National Wildlife ians, insects and plant species. Many U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Refuge System. This support is most national wildlife refuges were estab- (USFWS), the National Wildlife visible through new legislation and lished along the four migratory bird Refuge System helps fulfill a critical part other Congressional action, and of the agency’s growth in community advocacy, overarching mission: to volunteerism and partnerships. What Is the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service? conserve the nature of However, a large segment of the America by protecting American people have yet to discover The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is the principal federal agency responsible for conserving, protecting and fish, wildlife, plants their National Wildlife Refuge System. enhancing fish, wildlife and plants and their habitats for the and their habitats for continuing benefit of the American people. The Service the continuing benefit Poised for a New Century manages the 94-million-acre National Wildlife Refuge of the American The USFWS is undertaking a number System, which encompasses more than 535 national of special, nationwide efforts to wildlife refuges, thousands of small wetlands and other people. special management areas. It also operates 66 national fish strengthen the National Wildlife hatcheries, 64 fishery resource offices and 78 ecological Scenic Getaways Refuge System, and will use the services field stations. The agency enforces federal wildlife The National centennial anniversary as an opportunity laws, administers the Endangered Species Act, manages Wildlife Refuge System to build broad public understanding and migratory bird populations, restores nationally significant fisheries, conserves and restores wildlife habitat such as appeals to strong appreciation of the value of these wetlands and helps foreign governments with their cultural traditions of conservation lands to society. conservation efforts. It also oversees the Federal Aid American society, such To learn more about the National program that distributes hundreds of millions of dollars in as enjoying the wonders Wildlife Refuge System, visit excise taxes on fishing and hunting equipment to state fish of the outdoors and www.refuges.fws.gov. and wildlife agencies.

January / February 2003 Connecticut Wildlife 9 Divers from the North - Winter Loons in CT Written by Paul Fusco, Wildlife Outreach Unit The experience of hearing the eerie calls of a loon, echoing across a forest lake on a moonlit night is unforgettable. Some- P. J. FUSCO (2) times carrying for great dis- tances, their calls are the soul of the northern wilderness. In spring and summer these remote lakes are the territory of the common loon, a species that has a low tolerance for motorized boats and disturbance. Their presence during the breeding season is an indicator of the wilderness quality of those lakes. At this time, Connecticut does not support any breeding pairs of loons. There are a handful of unconfirmed reports of nesting loons in Connecticut, as well as summering individuals that are present on a regular basis at potentially good breeding ©PAUL J. FUSCO locations in the northern part of All Rights Reserved the state. However, very little evidence exists that common loons During migra- have nested in Connecticut at any time tion, common loons in the last 100 years. They do breed are frequently just to our north in Massachusetts, and documented at Connecticut has several large reser- inland lakes and voirs that have minimal disturbance rivers, while the and are considered to be good breed- red-throated loon ing habitats for common loons. The rarely occurs at common loon is listed as a species of inland locations. special concern in Connecticut Among the best because of the possibility that loons places to find both bred here historically. It is reasonable loons in Connecti- that some day, maybe sooner than cut are the coastal later, common loons may be docu- bays and estuaries mented as nesting here. Typically, of Long Island common loons breed in several Sound. Both species ©PAUL J. FUSCO northern states and farther north in the occur more fre- All Rights Reserved subarctic areas of Alaska and Canada. quently in the Note the large, heavy bill of the common loon (top). Although Two species of loons, the common eastern half of Long common loons feed mostly on fish, they will also take crustaceans, such as crabs. loon and the red-throated loon, migrate Island Sound than through or spend all or part of the winter in the western half. On peak fall surface of the water. In fact, most in Connecticut waters. They are consid- migration days, red-throated loons can loons cannot take off from land. Once ered to be uncommon to fairly common be very numerous at some shoreline airborne, their flight is strong and during spring and fall migration and locations. direct. They have rapid wingbeats and uncommon in winter. Another species, Loons are large, powerful swim- a hunched posture, as they hold their the Pacific loon, is an extremely rare ming birds. Designed for swimming neck and head lower than their body. visitor to our area. Red-throated and and propelling themselves underwater, Pacific loons are more northern breeders their strong legs are set well to the Feeding Habits than the common loon, nesting in back of their bodies, making walking Loons use their strong, dagger-like subarctic and arctic regions of Alaska on land difficult and awkward. They bills to catch their main food, fish. and Canada. take flight by running along the Crustaceans, such as crabs and shrimp,

10 Connecticut Wildlife January / February 2003 P. J. FUSCO viewing conditions. To get a good look, binoculars are a must and a spotting scope with a sturdy tripod would be even better. Wind, heavy wave action, mist and glare can make correct identification difficult. Loons can be separated from other swimming birds, like ducks and gulls, because they typically ride lower in the water while swimming. Some of the more reliable places to search for loons include Harkness Memorial State Park in Waterford, Griswold Point in Old Lyme, Hammonasset Beach State Park in Madison, New Haven Harbor, Milford Point and Sherwood Island State Park in ©PAUL J. FUSCO Westport. All Rights Reserved Conservation Red-throated loons typically swim with their head and bill held at an upward angle. In our region loons are subject to many pressures, including acid rain, also are consumed. In freshwater Red-throated Loon mercury pollution (see below), lead areas, loons will eat frogs, sala- The red-throated loon is smaller (25 ingestion and high levels of distur- manders and crayfish. inches in length) and slimmer than the bance on nesting lakes. Lead ingestion Loons may be seen paddling along common loon. It has a thin, upturned occurs when loons pick up grit from the water’s surface with their face in the bill, and normally swims with head and lake bottoms to aid in digestion; many water as they look for schools of fish bill held at an upward angle. In winter, seem to pick up lead sinkers instead of below. Once they see potential prey, the plumage on the head and neck are stones, which end up slowly poisoning they dive underwater to begin their well defined, with white extending the birds. pursuit. Because they hunt by sight, above the eye. Its light gray back loons require clear water in order to feed. with white spotting gives it a They may remain underwater for as paler appearance than the Mercury Pollution and Loons long as a minute while foraging, and common loon. Coal-fired power plants are the largest source of can stay under for longer periods if mercury pollution. Trace amounts of mercury escaping from an enemy. Common Pacific Loon found naturally in coal are released into the loons are known to dive to depths of up As its name indicates, the atmosphere when coal is burned to produce electricity. Once in the air, the mercury returns to to 250 feet. Pacific loon typically winters on earth with rain and snow, or as dry particles that the West Coast of North America. then end up in rivers, lakes and coastal waters. Winter Identification It occurs on a regular basis in the Over time mercury may settle to bottom sediments While the breeding plumage of loons mid-Atlantic and northeast region, in bodies of water. However, in acidic lakes it can be spectacular, their winter plumage but in very low numbers. In winter becomes more water soluble and can be released back into the water from the sediment. The can be equally drab, making identifica- its plumage is dark gray above and northeastern states and Maritime provinces of tion in winter sometimes difficult. Body white below, similar to the Canada have the worst mercury pollution in North structure and behavioral characteristics common loon. It is smaller (26 America. become more important when correctly inches in length) and has a smaller, Because mercury accumulates in the aquatic food chain, top predators that eat a lot of fish, such as identifying species. thinner bill than the common loon. loons, are the first victims to show signs of Its dark cap extends down to the mercury poisoning. Scientific studies conducted in Common Loon lower eye. Both adults and the northeastern United States and the Canadian At up to 32 inches in length, the juveniles may have a thin, dark Maritimes have shown that loons breeding in these common loon is the largest. It has a “chin strap” which can be helpful areas are experiencing reproductive problems consistent with mercury poisoning. large, heavy bill and thick neck. In in identification. Loons with high levels of mercury may suffer winter, the plumage is dark gray above reproductive failure, where no young are able to and white below. The crown and nape Where to See Loons in survive. Being a neurotoxin, mercury affects the are darker than the back. There is a soft Connecticut nervous system and can debilitate young loon edge between the white and darker chicks, leaving them with a lack of motor Loons are most often seen coordination, leading to death. plumage on the head and neck. The singly, although sometimes in Loon populations from our region are considered white in the face extends around the small groups, at good feeding to be seriously at risk from mercury pollution. In eye. This species usually holds its locations. They will frequently some areas, the recruitment of young birds is not head level with the water. be seen offshore at great dis- high enough to sustain the population. tances and under less than ideal

January / February 2003 Connecticut Wildlife 11 Take Refuge and Relax at Stewart B. McKinney National Wildlife Refuge Written by Jennifer Brown, Outdoor Recreation Planner, Stewart B. McKinney NWR Did you know that there is a National Wild- life Refuge (NWR) in Connecticut? The Stewart P. J. FUSCO (2) B. McKinney NWR manages eight pieces of land, or units, along the coast of Connecticut. The Refuge includes five islands, barrier beaches, tidal saltmarshes, shrublands and upland habitats. Due to its location in the Atlantic Flyway, the refuge provides important resting, feeding and nesting habitat for many species of wading birds, waterfowl, songbirds, shorebirds and terns, including the endangered roseate tern and threat- ened piping plover. ©PAUL J. FUSCO All Rights Reserved Units of Stewart B. A historic lighthouse on Falkner Island, which was commissioned in 1802 by Thomas Jefferson, is open to McKinney NWR public visitation for only two days each year. Salt Meadow Unit, Westbrook: The headquar- ters for Stewart B. McKinney NWR are located at Salt Meadow Unit. This unit is open to the public seven days a week for hiking, bird watching and photography on over two-and-a-half miles of trails. This trail system allows visitors to view forest, grassland and marsh habitats. While visiting Salt Meadow Unit, bluebirds, deer, foxes, egrets, ibis and red-tailed hawks are just some of the wildlife you may see. Outer Island Unit, Branford: Outer Island is the outermost island in the Thimble Island chain off the coast of Branford. This island is composed of pink granite and is a home for the state-endangered prickly pear cactus. For many years, the island was closed to public visitation. With the help of the newly-formed Friends of Outer Island, the island was open on week- ©PAUL J. FUSCO ends in 2002 from July 4th to Labor All Rights Reserved Day. The Friends of Outer Island is currently looking for volunteers to The largest nesting colony of common terns in Connecticut can be found on Falkner Island train as island docents for the 2003 Unit of the Stewart B. McKinney National Wildlife Refuge. season. If you are interested in

12 Connecticut Wildlife January / February 2003 learning more C o n n e c t i c u t 91 about the program, 0 5 10 Miles New Haven 95 please write to: 95 Westbrook Friends of Outer East Haven Guilford H Island, P.O. Box 95 305, Branford, CT Stratford Milford Salt Meadow Unit 06405. Bridgeport Outer Headquarters Outer Island Island Falkner Unit Unit is also the site Milford Point Island Unit Norwalk Unit of the Refuge’s Great Environmental Meadows Unit Education Pro- 95 gramming. In L A N D S O U N D partnership with Norwalk Island L O N G I S Connecticut State Units University System, over 700 students n g l a n d visit the unit to L o I s study island ecology each year. grounds for many long-legged wading nesting colony of common terns in Milford Point Unit, Milford: birds. Connecticut. Throughout the summer, Located just a stone’s throw away Sheffield Island Unit, Norwalk: members of the U.S. Geological Survey, from the Connecticut Audubon Each year, over 10,000 visitors travel to Connecticut Audubon Society and Coastal Center in Milford, the Milford Sheffield Island in Norwalk to view its USFWS study and protect the terns. In Point Unit is home to the state and historic lighthouse. Now, those recent years, predation by black- federally threatened piping plover. visitors can also enjoy the island’s crowned night herons, a decline in the Because of the potential harm caused natural beauty by walking the terns’ food source and other external to piping plovers and state threatened Refuge’s new Island Ethics Trail. This pressures have reduced the productivity least terns, visitors may only view this trail helps to teach visitors the impor- of this colony. Members of the Stewart sandy peninsula from an observation tance of leaving islands as natural B. McKinney NWR are currently deck at its boundary. Fishing access havens for wildlife and minimizing working on several solutions to these for the tip of Milford Point Unit is disturbance. From the trail’s observa- issues. allowed on a designated route. Stop in tion platform, visitors may spot a A historic lighthouse, commissioned at the Connecticut Audubon Coastal belted kingfisher or a great egret. The in 1802 by Thomas Jefferson, sits on Center to play an educational and trail is open from Memorial Day to Falkner Island. The USFWS, Faulkner’s interactive computer game based on Labor Day. For a ferry schedule, call Island Light Brigade, U.S. Coast Guard Milford Point Unit. (888) LI-Sound. and U.S. Geological Survey work Each year, Connecticut Audubon, Chimon Island Unit, Norwalk: together each year to open the island Connecticut DEP and the U.S. Fish and Chimon Island was once the site of the and the lighthouse to visitation for two Wildlife Service (USFWS) train largest colony of wading birds in days. The weekend open house usually volunteers as part of the Piping Plover Connecticut. Since that time, an increase occurs in September. Information on the Patrol. These volunteers have helped of small mammal predators (such as open house in 2003 will be released later make the beaches safe for plovers by raccoons and rats) and invasive non- in the year. educating visitors and conducting native plants have caused the birds to plover surveys. If you are interested in leave the island. Deer have also caused a Upcoming Articles joining the Piping Plover Patrol, email great deal of damage to the island’s As part of the year-long celebra- Sara Williams at vegetation. Now, the island is used by tion of the 100th anniversary of the [email protected], or call (860) migrating birds and its interior is closed National Wildlife Refuge System, each 399-2513. to public visitation. of the next five issues of Connecticut Great Meadows Unit, Stratford: Goose Island Unit, Westport: This Wildlife will contain an up-close and The largest, unditched high salt marsh three-acre island is home to nesting personal look at one of the units of in Connecticut is protected as the herring gulls, black-backed gulls and Stewart B. McKinney NWR. These Great Meadows Unit. A new trail, set double-crested cormorants. The island articles will focus on upcoming refuge to open late summer 2003, will give is closed to the public. programs and volunteer projects. visitors, teachers and students the Falkner Island Unit, Guilford: opportunity to enjoy this unique marsh Opened to visitation only once a year, community. Some of the wildlife that Falkner Island Unit contains the fifth Note from Editor: The Silvio O. Conte can be found in this unit include largest nesting colony of federally National Wildlife Refuge, which clapper rails, a variety of waterfowl endangered roseate terns in the stretches along portions of the Con- and the northern harrier. Great Mead- Northeast. It is also home to the largest necticut River, is Connecticut’s other ows is important as the feeding National Wildlife Refuge.

January / February 2003 Connecticut Wildlife 13 How CT’s Tax Check-off

Program Helps Wildlife P. J. FUSCO (2) The Endangered Species/Wildlife Appala- Income Tax Check-off Fund, which was chian initiated in 1994, allows Connecticut mountains, taxpayers to voluntarily donate a including portion of their state income tax refund. Pennsylva- The money is then used to support nia. This wildlife and natural area preserve research projects by providing dollars when project will matching funds are needed or when assess the other funding sources are unavailable. status and Tax deductible donations to the Fund habitat of have financed several important projects these two over the years to increase the DEP’s squirrels in knowledge of such species as the timber northern rattlesnake, tree-roosting bats, the Connecti- shortnose sturgeon and the white-fringed cut. orchid. Just recently, the DEP awarded Result- A New England cottontail is released after having a radio transmitter attached. Biologists will track the rabbit’s movements and gain important tax check-off funding for some new and ing infor- data on its home range and habitat use. continuing projects. mation will be helpful to resource managers and songbirds, particularly neotropical New Projects conservation professionals. Flying migrants, on a long-term basis. 2003 Flying Squirrels: Two species of squirrels may play an important role in will be the seventh year of operation. flying squirrels are native to Connecti- forest regeneration as seed predators Every bird caught in the mist nets cut. The southern flying squirrel is fairly or by carrying beneficial fungus (from early June to mid-August to common and can be found in most spores in their feces. ensure that only breeding individuals mature woodlands. The northern flying Flying squirrels are secretive and are caught) is identified, sexed, aged, squirrel is considered rare and is usually special techniques are required to detect evaluated and banded. Additional data found in colder areas at higher eleva- them. In this project, animals will be is collected through point counts, tions. The status of the northern flying live-trapped at several locations and the vegetation surveys and general squirrel cannot be determined because habitat will be examined to explore what observations recorded on a daily log. only a few specimens have been col- factors limit flying squirrel populations In addition to being used by local lected in the state. Recently, the northern in Connecticut. land managers and scientists, the data flying squirrel has been recognized as Monitoring Avian Productivity and are collected and submitted to the either endangered, threatened or special Survivorship in Northwestern Con- Institute for Bird Populations (IBP) in concern by states in the southern necticut: Birders and scientists across Point Reyes, California, and is pooled the country have been with data from similar stations noticing that migratory throughout the country in order to songbirds are showing help determine nationwide trends in population declines bird populations and to guide conser- across the country. For vation efforts. Information gained that reason, the National from this study will benefit the DEP’s Audubon Society in efforts to help migratory birds. The Sharon began a project in research will provide demographic 1997 to monitor the information for both resident and population trends for neotropical bird species breeding in migratory songbirds northwestern Connecticut. through seven bird Amphibian Diversity and Distribu- banding stations in tion Changes: The global decline of Litchfield County and in amphibian populations is of major eastern Dutchess County, importance and has gained the attention in New York. of biologists, environmentalists and ©PAUL J. FUSCO Through mist netting politicians around the world. Within All Rights Reserved and banding, these Connecticut, several amphibian popula- A project that monitors population trends for migratory stations are designed to tions appear to be declining, but songbirds, like the wood thrush, is receiving funding from monitor trends in the valuable baseline data are lacking to the CT Endangered Species/Wildlife Income Tax Check-off productivity and survi- document this trend. By studying Fund. vorship of breeding amphibian larvae collected from

14 Connecticut Wildlife January / February 2003 Connecticut wetlands in the past 100 Matianuck Sand Dunes Natural Area American Kestrel: This project to years, researchers hope to gain a Preserve is an outstanding example of determine the home range and habitat better understanding of changes in inland sand dunes, lying upon the bed use of breeding American kestrels amphibian populations over time. of glacial Lake Hitchcock. The received funding in 2001. Additional Among the species being studied is preserve contains a mixture of dryland funding was awarded to continue data the eastern spade-foot toad, now plant species, which provide rare collection. Connecticut’s kestrel listed as endangered in Connecticut. habitat for uncommon and endangered population has been rapidly declining. Researchers plan to identify insects. This study will document the Researchers hope to gain more amphibian larval specimens currently plant species found at this unique area, information about what the birds need stored in collections at the Yale as well as identify research needs and to survive. This should help in the Peabody Museum of Natural History focus areas of future survey work. development of management and in New Haven. These specimens were recovery efforts. collected from Connecticut at various Continuing Projects times spanning most of the 20th New England Cottontail: A project How You Can Help century and most have never been initiated in 2001 that will assess the The Endangered Species/Wildlife identified or cataloged and thus have distribution of the New England Income Tax Check-off Fund can always not been available for research. Once cottontail statewide and the home range use your help. When filing your Con- the specimens are identified and size and habitat use of New England necticut Income Tax Return for 2002, critical data have been taken, they cottontails in coastal habitats received remember wildlife by donating a portion will be available to researchers. The additional funding. The New England of your tax refund. Those not expecting existence of larval specimens from cottontail is the only native rabbit in a state income tax refund but who wish certain localities may justify future Connecticut and historically was to contribute can send contributions to surveys of those areas, especially in distributed statewide. Limited research the Endangered Species/Wildlife Fund, cases of species now considered suggests that populations have declined DEP Bureau of Administration-Financial endangered, threatened or even in Connecticut and the northeastern Management, 79 Elm Street, Hartford, extirpated from the state. United States. This project also CT 06106. Contributions are deductible Matianuck Sand Dunes Natural receives funding from the Wildlife on next year’s federal tax return. Area Preserve: Located in Conservation and Restoration Pro- Bloomfield and Windsor, the gram. Learning More About the Copperhead Snake Written by Stephen Berube, Copperhead Project Research Contractor The northern copperhead snake is Global Positioning System (GPS) researchers. While a few animals alive and well in Connecticut, with readings and observations, such as remained in small areas, others moved populations stretching from Stonington preferred habitat, feeding behavior and up to a quarter of a mile in as little as to Greenwich and Branford to Granby. the animal’s activity upon location. two days. During the apparent breeding The heaviest concentrations of copper- Blood samples were collected bimonthly season, certain males would travel heads are located along the Connecticut to determine genetic paternity. Copper- extensively in search of a mate, spending River valley. Little is known about the heads are very docile in nature. Even up to a week at a time before finding general history of copperheads, but when approached, the snakes either fled female snakes to mate with. By the through the collaborated efforts of or remained motionless. However, some middle to the end of August, gravid herpetologist Charles Smith, a Ph.D. males were slightly aggressive when (pregnant) females returned to the candidate at the University of Connecti- handled during the breeding season. hibernaculum to give birth, remaining cut, and the DEP, the copperhead is Data collected so far have given there for the rest of the season. Males currently the focus of scientific study. researchers a better understanding of the and non-gravid females returned to the The study was designed to determine behavioral differences between animals hibernaculum in early to mid-September mating behavior, migration, habitat use within an intraspecific population. These and every snake returned to within feet and ecological associations of the animals were found to be living in the of where they hibernated the previous copperhead. To help with data collec- same area as other snake species, such as winter, some to the exact location from tion, 17 snakes from a hibernaculum milk snakes, rat snakes and black racers. which they emerged last April. along the Connecticut River valley have Each copperhead, upon leaving the The Connecticut Endangered been surgically implanted with small hibernaculum in April, traveled any- Species/Wildlife Income Tax Check-off radio transmitters. These animals were where between a few hundred feet up to Fund is providing funding for the then tracked with radio telemetry a couple of miles away to their preferred copperhead project (see previous equipment every other day from the time habitat and hunting grounds. Some article). Stay tuned to learn more about they emerged from hibernation in early snakes spent much of their time in copperheads as this project resumes April until they returned to the hiber- swamps while others preferred the dense when the snakes emerge from their naculum in mid-September. Data hardwood forest or cliff sides where they winter dens in the upcoming spring. collected from each animal included were completely unobtainable to

January / February 2003 Connecticut Wildlife 15 DEP Continues to Monitor CWD Situation As reported exhibiting in the Septem- symptoms of ber/October CWD should 2002 issue of P. J. FUSCO notify the Connecticut Wildlife Wildlife, the Division (860- DEP Wildlife 424-3011) or Division has the DEP’s 24- been monitor- hour TIP ing the status hotline (1-800- of chronic 842-HELP). If wasting the animal is disease (CWD) dispatched, the in cooperation head should be with fish and kept intact so wildlife that a brain agencies sample can be throughout collected for North testing. America. CWD The prob- is a naturally ability of CWD occurring ©PAUL J. FUSCO appearing in disease of the All Rights Reserved Connecticut is brain and very low at this Chronic wasting disease is a naturally occurring disease of the brain and nervous system nervous in deer and elk. As of December, 2002, there have been no reported cases of CWD in the time. If, system in deer northeastern United States. however, CWD and elk. It is discovered in attacks the brain of these animals, Other states have taken similar Connecticut, the DEP will implement producing small lesions that eventu- precautionary measures. additional management strategies ally result in death. As of December, Some states have also started aimed at preventing its spread. 2002, there have been no reported monitoring programs where they are Although no known link exists cases of CWD in the northeastern collecting random samples of deer and between CWD and humans, health United States. The nearest known testing for the presence of CWD. This officials advise hunters not to con- occurrence of CWD is in northern is being done mostly in states that are sume meat from animals known to be Illinois. in close proximity to known occur- infected with CWD and also recom- Because CWD is invariably fatal rences of CWD. Random testing was mend boning out meat. As usual, and it has the potential to dramatically initiated in several northeastern states, hunters should continue to employ impact deer and elk populations, state including New York and Rhode Island. normal precautions when field dress- fish and wildlife agencies have been To date, no have animals have tested ing deer, such as wearing rubber endorsing measures to minimize the positive for CWD in the northeastern gloves. This precaution is especially chances of it spreading to other areas states. Currently in Connecticut, the important for hunters who travel to of North America. Animals may be DEP will only test deer that exhibit hunt deer in states where CWD has infected with CWD for long periods of symptoms of the disease. If CWD is been detected. To date, CWD in free- time before showing symptoms, and discovered in close proximity to ranging populations has only been currently there is no means of testing Connecticut, a more intense monitor- detected in the following states and whether a live animal is infected with ing effort would be employed. In Canadian provinces: Colorado, CWD. Therefore, a complete ban on 2003, the DEP plans to initiate random Wyoming, New Mexico, Nebraska, the importation of members of the deer testing of animals. South Dakota, Wisconsin, Illinois and family is considered the most prudent Infected animals may display Saskatchewan. Concerns about CWD measure in controlling the spread of abnormal behavior, such as staggering should not keep hunters from partici- the disease. Earlier this year, the or standing with very poor posture. pating in Connecticut’s deer hunting Connecticut Department of Agricul- Eventually, infected animals become season. ture issued regulations banning the emaciated and appear to be in very A website kept up-to-date with the importation of captive deer, elk, poor health. This symptom is how the latest information about CWD in North reindeer and other members of the disease got its name, “chronic wasting America can be found at www.cwd- deer (Cervidae) family of mammals. disease.” Anyone observing a deer info.org.

16 Connecticut Wildlife January / February 2003 Hop River Habitat Restoration Project Completed This past fall, the DEP completed a The project stream habitat restoration project in involved a the lower Hop River, located in cooperative Coventry and Columbia. The goal of partnership B. MURPHY (3) the project was to restore a more between the DEP diverse fish community, including Inland Fisheries trout, by stabilizing eroding and the Inland streambanks and stemming the Water Resources introduction of sediment into the river. Divisions. The In addition to trout, stream fishes construction expected to benefit from these en- phase of the hancements include fallfish, common project was shiner, white sucker and smallmouth accomplished by bass. The project site encompasses the DEP Wildlife approximately 1,400 linear feet of the Division’s Hop River from Flanders Road Bridge to Wetlands Habitat its confluence with the Willimantic and Mosquito River. Management A bulldozer moves a root ball into position in the river bank. Root balls were installed to further deflect stream flow away from streambanks and to provide refuges for fish. Program, which restoration represents the largest used specialized ‘bioengineered’ project ever com- low ground pres- pleted in Connecticut. Bioengineering sure equipment to involves the use of living plants in minimize any combination with other materials to deleterious effects rapidly revegetate and stabilize to wetland and streambanks and to restore stream stream habitats ecosystems. Eroded streambanks were during construc- stabilized with coconut fiber rolls, tion. small rock, erosion control fabric and In the early plantings of willow and dogwood. 1970s, the con- Restoration work also involved the struction of the installation of three rock weirs, which Route 6 bypass were designed to maintain pool habitat resulted in stream and concentrate stream flows toward the A special, low ground pressure excavator digs a deep pool area in the Hop River to create habitat for fish. channelization center of the channel, away from eroding (straightening) and streambanks. Additional structures made relocation. These with trees and tree roots were installed to alterations, in further deflect stream flow away from concert with streambanks and to provide refuges for increased watershed fish and hibernating areas for wood development, turtles, which are species of special destabilized concern. Boulders and tree tops were streambanks, placed in the lower section of the Hop accelerated erosion River to enhance instream habitats. and sedimentation, The Inland Fisheries Division and degraded annually stocks the Hop River with over instream fish 3,900 adult brook, brown and rainbow habitats within the trout. Open season for fishing in the Hop lower Hop River. River is from the third Saturday in April The Hop River until the last day in February. Public project was a access to the property is available via the comprehensive river north side of Route 66, Columbia, The excavator also was used to build a weir dam with rocks. A channel restoration, approximately 0.1 miles east of Flanders weir dam maintains pool habitat and concentrates stream flows using natural stream Road. Walk-in only access is available toward the center of the channel, away from eroding channel design and from the railroad bed. The public is streambanks. bioengineering advised not to walk on streambank areas techniques. The that are being restored with vegetation.

January / February 2003 Connecticut Wildlife 17 What large bird is brown on its back, white on its belly and has a white cheek patch? Canada Goose

Some like it hot! P. J. FUSCO (2) (Or at least warm!) Connecticut has resident Canada geese that stay here all year long. They nest and spend the winter in Connecticut. Other geese are migratory and nest in Alaska and northern Canada and spend the winter in the southern states. Some of these geese migrate through Connecticut in fall and spring. If Connecticut’s winter is mild, some of the migrant geese will stay here all winter long. ©PAUL J. FUSCO Honk, honk, honk! All Rights Reserved When Canada geese migrate, their loud honking can be heard from miles away. The It’s not “Canadian” geese fly together in large, V-shapes in the sky. As the birds fly, little air currents are When you are talking about more than one made around the wings and body. Flying in goose say, “Canada geese” not “Canadian a “V” helps the birds gain lift from each other and they use less energy on their geese.” Many people make this mistake. Let flight. your English teacher know! Watch where you’re What does a Canada goose eat? walking! Unscramble the words below to find out. Sometimes Canada geese are a nuisance in parks, golf courses, ballfields and lawns. 1. teawr nslpta Too many geese leave too many droppings! 2. desse High grass and low fences may keep geese out. Frightening geese with loud noises, 3. rlvoce scarecrows, flying balloons or dogs some- 4. ragisn times works, too. Hunting, where it is al- 5. sgsar lowed, can help solve some goose problems.

©PAUL J. FUSCO Answers to Quiz

All Rights Reserved 1. water plants, 2. seeds, 3. clover, 4. grains, 5. grass 5. grains, 4. clover, 3. seeds, 2. plants, water 1.

18 Connecticut Wildlife January / February 2003 Take the Wildlife Challenge! Congratulations go to Michael Orefice Sr. who Guess which animal is described in the challenge and enter into a drawing to win a free was chosen as the winner of the wildlife poster. Print your answer on a postcard, along with your name, address and phone September/October challenge. number and send it to: CT Wildlife Division, P.O. Box 1550, Burlington, CT 06013, Attn: Michael gave the correct answer Wildlife Challenge. Answers may also be sent via email to [email protected]. of “white-tailed deer.” Thanks to Postcards for this issue’s contest must be postmarked by February 28, 2003. Email answers must all readers who sent in answers. also be received by that date. Please keep trying! January/February Wildlife Challenge If you’ve been reading your issues of Connecticut Wildlife over the past year, you should know the answer to this wildlife challenge. Small numbers of this animal may have existed in Connecticut in colonial times before it eventually disappeared from the state. However, it recently returned to Connecticut in 1998 to reside. This animal, which can stand up to six feet tall and weigh up to 1,400 pounds, is the largest land mammal in the state. What is this issue’s wildlife challenge? Wildlife Calendar Reminders

Dec. 28-Mar. 19 .... Shepaug Bald Eagle Viewing Area open for the 2002-2003 eagle viewing season. The observation area will be open three days a week--by advance reservation only--on Wednesdays, Saturdays and Sundays. Call 1-800-368-8954, Tuesday through Friday, from 9:00 AM-3:00 PM, to make reservations. Jan. 1-31 ...... Extended archery deer season on private land in zones 11 and 12. A 2003 deer permit and private land consent forms dated for 2003 are needed. January ...... Donate to the Endangered Species/Wildlife Income Tax Check-off Fund on your 2002 CT Income Tax form (see page 14 for more information)...... Spring turkey hunting and state land deer lottery applications available at town clerks’ and Wildlife Division offices, or apply online on the DEP’s website: www.dep.state.ct.us. Jan. 15-Feb. 15 ..... Special late Canada goose hunting season in the south zone only. For more details, consult the 2002-2003 Migratory Bird Hunting Guide, available at town clerks’ and DEP Wildlife Division offices. The guide can also be found on the DEP’s website at: www.dep.state.ct.us. Feb. 10 ...... State land lottery deadline for spring turkey hunting season. Feb. 14-16 ...... Visit the Wildlife Division’s exhibit at the 5th Annual Hunting and Fishing Expo, at the Connecticut Expo Center in Hartford. For more information on the Hunting and Fishing Expo, visit the website for North East Promotions, www.fishingandhuntingexpo.com. Feb. 15-16 ...... 4th Annual Connecticut River Eagle Festival in Essex. For more information, visit the Connecticut Audubon’s website at www.ctaudubon.org. Feb. 28 ...... Send in permit-required (small game) season survey cards. Early March ...... Clean out bluebird nest boxes and install new ones. March 1 ...... Bird House Workshop, starting at 9:30 AM, at the Sessions Woods Wildlife Management Area, in Burlington. Bring your hammer and screwdriver to construct a bluebird/chickadee/nuthatch house. Assisted construction will follow a slide presentation on bird houses, size, placement and habitat. A donation of $4.00 to the Friends of Sessions Woods will cover the cost of the birdhouse. Call 860-675-8130 to preregister and for more information. March 15 ...... State land lottery deadline for deer hunting season. Connecticut Subscription Order Wildlife Please make checks payable to: Connecticut Wildlife, P.O. Box 1550, Burlington, CT 06013 Check one: Check one: Renewal 1 Year ($6.00) 2 Years ($11.00) 3 Years ($16.00) New Subscription Name: Gift Subscription

Address: Gift card to read: City: State: Zip:January / February 2003 Tel.: Connecticut Wildlife 19 P. J. FUSCO

Take time to enjoy the beauty of Connecticut’s winter landscape.

Bureau of Natural Resources / Wildlife Division STANDARD Connecticut Department of Environmental Protection PRESORT 79 Elm Street U.S. POSTAGE Hartford, CT 06106-5127 PAID BRISTOL, CT PERMIT NO. 6

20 Connecticut Wildlife January / February 2003 PRINTED ON RECYCLED PAPER