Dro ^Orle: Section of Liabltat Xnprovegient

13 A

h\ro Salyer Lro DuMont

Section of Operattions!

——— Dro ^orle:

Section of liabltat Xnprovegient;

kr. Kxiblchek

,>ec ^of^jjanajtoa^^ent;

Stenographers;

BOMBAY HOOK

January-April, 1954- Bombay Hook Hational Wildlife Refuge Narrative Report January, February, March and April 1954

Refuge Personnel

David M. Hickok Refuge Manager John W. Parker Clerk Henry S. Bush ——————— — Maintenance Man Louis Steller — —— Maintenance Man John I. Webb —— Dragline Operator James Reed Suli^bzSr: Operator Joseph Heininger Oiler John McBride ————————— —- Tractor Operator Temporary

John Mozick — Truck Driver Everett Marshall Truck Driver George Naylor ————— •— Tractor Operator James Naylor ™—™ Carpenter Narrative Report Index Subjects Page Number 1« General A, Weather Conditions — 1 B, Water Conditions —-— — —— 1 C, Fires — 1 II. Wildlife A. Migratory Birds 2 1. Populations and Behavior —-— 2 a. Waterfowl . 2 b. Shorebirds, Hertos, Doves ~ 2 2. Food and Cover — — ———• 4 3. Botulism — — 4 4. Lead Poisoning and other diseases — ——- 4 B. Upland Game Birds ——-—— — — — 4 1. Populations and Behavior 4 2. Food and Cover -————-— — — 4 3. Disease — • 4 C. Big Game 4 1. Populations and Behavior ————— 4 2, Food and Cover — —5 D. Fur Animals, Predators, Rodents and Other Mammals — 5 1. Fur Animals — 5 £• Predaceous birds — — 5-6 III. Refuge Development and Maintenance ———— —— 6 A. Hhysical Development -— — 6 1. Shearness Dike Project — 6 2. Hydraulic hoist installation ———— —- 6 3. Equipment shed construction -——— — — 6-7 4. Upland Pool # 3 — — 7 5. Miscellaneous ———— 7 6. Repair and Maintenance 7 7. Soil and Moisture — —— ——— 8 B. Plantings 8 1. Aquatic and marsh plants 8 2. Trees and shrubs 8 3. Upland Herbaceous plants 8 4. Cultivated crops — — —- 8 D. Collections — 9 1. Seed or other Propagules — 9 2. Specimens — — ——• 9 D. Receipts of Seed and Nursury Stock —— 9 IV. Economic Use — — 9 A. Grazing — 9 B. Haying 9 C. Fur Harvest — 9 D. Timber Removal < ——— 9 7. Field Investigation or Applied Research — ———— 9 A. Banding —— — 9-10 B. Mosquito Evaluation studies — .™-«—10 VI. Public Relations — ——— —— 11 A. Recreational Use — 11 B. Refuge Visitors — 11-12 C. Refuge Participation — — ——«—— 12 D. Hunting — —— 12 E. Fishing — — — 12 F. Violations — — 12 Subjects Page Number VIII. Other Items 12 A. Items of Interest — — 12 B. Photographs IS Append ex — —— — N. R. Forms Narrative Report Bombay Hook National Wildlife Refuge January thru April 1954 I* General A, Weather Conditions

Month Snowfall Free. Norma: l Free. Temperature Ave. Normal Max. Min. Temp. Temp. Jan, 11.5 1.71 3.56 64 2 31.3 33.3 Feb, .6 1.82 2.98 74 9 40.4 33.7 March T 4.03 3.61 72 22 41.5 42.5 April r 9* *7

The weather this period was one of extremes. It was the coldest January since 1948 and the coldest month since February 1948, New minimum records ( 60 years ) were set for the dates January 17th & 18th with temperatures at 70O F & ^20F respectively.

On January 10 - 11 a 6-l/2 inck snow fall drifted the refuge road closed for a half a day until it could be plowed out, February was the warmest February on record ( 60 ye%rs ) Although the extremes ranged from 74oF on the 16th to 90F on -the 18th the monthly average was 40.4OF.

During the period rain or snow fell on 18 days in January, 12 days in February, 15 days in March and pfdays in April,

B, Water Conditions Salt marsh tidal conditions were normal for the period. A continual struggle was necessary throughout the period to regulate water levels in Shearness and Raymonds Pools, since high waters in Shearness had to be lowered thru the spillway to Raymonds Pool and thence to the salt marsh. These spillways, without flap gates,make dejjivery of water into the salt marsh diffi cult because high tidal action will stpp the flow or reverse the flow and in the spring admit spawning carp unless extreme care is ex/reroised. Screens are being constructed for the spillways to prevent carp entrance to the pools, C. Fires No fires occurred during the period on the refuge except those for brush burning and controlled marsh burning. II. Wildlife 1. Populations and Behavior A. Duck, Geese and Swans

Comparative liaterfowl

Populations Jan. - April

1952 - 1953 - 1954

Dates Jan. 15-16 ••eb 20-24 March 23-28 April 25-30 1952 1953 1954 L952 1953 1954 1952 1953 1954 1952 1953 1954

Black 7500 20,000 8000 4500 7000 5000 8000 2500 9000 500 350 2300 Mallard 1600 12,000 5000 400 3600 1800 500 4500 4000 6 30 700 intail 3500 1,400 500 2000 1522 300 700 800 ... G.W. Teal 50 600 400 379 639 800 500 1300 2300 330 670 100 B.W. Teal mmmmm ...... 150 200 100 700 200 130 1200 Wood 4 .— 14 4 10 10 4 30 2 4 20 Gadwall 300 650 50 565 230 600 400 220 700 140 270 400 Shoveller 40 350 132 345 60 200 245 500 28 26 20 Baldpate 250 1,000 400 4000 230 700 200 100 900 12 20 40 Bufflehead 40 2 50 15 20 150 10 160 Goldeneye 30 ... Canvasback 14 375 100 130 180 ... 100 100 Eingneok ... 1 40 150 Merganser 30 42 20 50 2 80 3 30 140 H. Merganser 20 2 10 14 60 2 40 Scaup 85 200 300 100 310 500 175 30 400 ... 70 Ruddy —- 2 10 10 2 80 2 50 18 Coot 100 150 100 50 40 30 50 300 10 30 W. Swan 5 3 5 1 ;.Goose 900 5,000 3000 1000 5000 1500 2500 2500 6000 300 800 300 S. Goose ...... 1000 ... 1 4 ... B. Goose ...... — — ... — 6 ... 6 ...

Total Population 14,429 41,813 17,78( 13,317 20 ,093 LI,542 13,248 8422 33,420 1528 2307 51

The main change in the pattern of waterfowl use of the refuge during the past period was occas|fioned by freezing weather commencing during the second week of January and continuing for several weeks, keeping most of the refuge marshes ice bound until mid-Fefbuary.

Wbile the majority of birds normally resident upon the refuge had left the area, state aerial counts showed that a good portion of them remained in southern Delaware.

TOiile the refuge population did drop drastically during the mid-winter weeks, almost the same state-wide population remained.

Snow Geese spent only a few days on the refuge in late February this year; the peak population was about 500 birds. Observation of wintering Canada Geese which spend a good portion of their time on the refuge has shown that their local movements cover the entire state of Delaware and at least in the north central part of the Delmarva peninsula west to the Chespeake. TNhile wintering populations of ducks and geese were below normal^peak mi gration figures during the last half of March were higher than previous years. Spring migration was difficult to dLe^ferentiate from the local return move ment of wintering birds this year, but the best evidence shows migration really getting under way in the first week of March, with a few species showing north- -ward movements in late February,

Diving duck populations were again more numerous during early migration than in previous years. Several species which normally are present throughout the winter months were absent entirely for various lengths of time during the period; these included; pintail, wood duck, mergansers, baldpate and coot. No duck broods of any species were noted during April, although nesting has started, B, Shorebirds The killdeer migration this year occurred during early March^ a week or two later than last year, Yellowlegs did not appear on the refuge until the last days of March,about 10 days later than last year, Willets again appeared by mid-April this year, but the population buildmp.: was gradual this year, not rapid as last year. Several of the smeller sandpipers, dowitchers, etc, were observed by the close of the period,but not in any number.

C, Herons The annual spring visit of the black-crowned night herons appeared about April 6th and remained for about 10 days. This year the colony numbered approx- iiMitely 140 birds, as compared to 230 last year and 70 the year before. While twelve great blue herons wintered in the area, they disappeared from the refuge during the weeks of freeze-up. Thus far this spring no migrating American egrets have been seen. Generally a few have been observed by late April.

D, Doves Mourning doves wintered throughout the period in the refuge and in the general vicinity. Populations are about 30^ above last year. 2. Food and Cover The newly flooded Shearness Pool area ( 681 acres in extent ) provided excellent food and cover conditions for all species throughout the period ( except when frozen over ). This area supported the main refuge waterfowl concentrations. In Raymonds( Pool food conditions were fair to poor as a result of much a^aktio plant food die-off last summer.

The area second in importance for waterfowl concentrations^, ievthe salt marsh around Georges Island, presented good food & cover conditions throughout the period. Considerable acreages of the salt marsh were again burned this year under the controlled burning program,but no dramatic effects on waterfowl species have been observed this year. Last year burning had a pronounced effect on snow goose useage, but not this year. 3. Botulism None. 4. Lead Poisoning and other diseases None known. B. Upland Game Birds 1. Populations and Behavior Pheasant and quail populations on the refuge remained about static. The refuge upland game population is never large and represents only a monor segment of the refuge wildlife population. During the period eight semi-wild turkeys^ 2 toms and 6 hens, were released on the refuge by the Delaware Game & Fish Commission. Some at least still appear to be with us.

2. Food and Cover In general, food and cover conditions for upland birds were good; crop residues, brushlands and marsh edges providing adequate winter food and cover.

3. Disease None.

C. Big Game 1. Population and Behavior The white-tail deer popu£^fcion over the period was about 70 head^ Approximately half of the original number prior to the refuge deer season on January 1, 2 and 4th. ( A detailed analysis of this hunt was included on the narrative for the last period). 2. Food and Cover

Food is plentiful for deer grazing#and cover is excellent along the mrsh edges and in the wooded swamps.

D. pur Animals, Predators, Rodents and Other Mammals

1. Fur Animals No trapping program was conducted on the refuge this year because (a) muskrat populations were low over the salt marshes and (b) although the muskrat pop ulation was high in newly flooded Shearness Pool, that area was left untrapped in order to utilize the muskrat population as a ^ tool * to further the vegetative break up within the pool area. It is anticipated that trapping will be conducted next year. A fairly good population should be in evidence. Pur bearing and rodent populations are present as followst Otter - Medium high 75 - 100 animals

Raccoon - very high, increasing Oppossum - Medium Red & Gray Fox - Medium, increasing Skunk - Low Woodchuck - Medium Cottontail rabbit - Medium Gray squirrel - Low Under permit No. 54-807 the wardens of the Del, Game and Fish Commission live-trapped 74 doe rabbits and 66 buck, rabbits on the refuge for release else where in the state. In cooperation with Dr, Carlton Herman of the Patuxent Research Refuge and Dr, Lawrence Kilham of the National Microbiological Institute, a total of 97 live raccoons were sent Patuxent Refuge for the studies of virus diseases in these animals. It is interesting to note that according to Dr. Kilham raccoons from this refuge showed greater disease immunity than those received from other localities. Dr, Kilham attributes this to immunities in the present refuge population as a result of the di^off in raccoons experienced here several years ago, y Evidently the surv^fors developed protecting antibodies* E, Predaceous birds Although several species of predaceous birds were resident or transient on the refuge during the period, predation as such was normal. Between February 6th and 21st, 4 golden eagles were on the refuge. The occurrence of this species is extremely rare in Delaware and represented the first record of these birds in Delaware for many years.

It ims particularly rare to see 4 of these great birds at once; needless . to say, local * bird lovers n had a field day,

III, Refuge Development and Maintenance ..A, Physical Development 1, Shearness Dike Project During the period the following work was accomplished on the Shearness Dike Projectt a, the canal connecting Shearness and Bear Swamp pools was completed; b, the Dutch Neck dike approach was completed;

e, the dike road base between Collins Island and Dutch Neck was further widened; d, the disassembly of the pontoon barge started; e, a borrow pit for truck hauling was cleared and established; f, hauling on the Whitehall Neck end of the dike began;

g, thru hauling the 1st half mile of the dike from Raymonds Pool toward Collins Island had been brought to grade.

Hauling on the dike is currently underway, muck conditions, slow in drying are however making progress slow. During the winter months just past it was evident that for proper water level management of Shearness Pool a direct outlet of the pool to the salt marsh should be installed. At present all water control must be done thru Raymonds and Bear Swamp Pools.

In addition, all spillways to the salt marsh should be fitted with flap gates,since tidal action limits water regulation during high tide periods. 2, Hydraulic hoist installation During the period the finishing touches were put on the hydraulic hoist installation and the remainder of the cement floor in the equipment building poured, 3, Equipment Shed Construction

During the period an open front equipment shed 24* 6n X 491 6n was con structed of cement blocks with asphalt shingled gabled ends and sheathing and asphalt shingled roof. A cement floor in half the building has been poured, Bondex painting of the cement blocks and white painting of the trim re mains to be done as of this writing. The courtyard area around the building has been graded, 4, Upland Pool # 3 Work on the establishment of Upland Pool # 3 is underway; the connecting ditch with Finis Swamp has been dug. The brush piles from last summer's clear ing have been burned are currently being removed as time permits. Discing and planting remain to be done, 5, Miscellaneous a. The old work bench in the equipment building has been rebuilt; b, A tinned in welding area has been built; 0. Tool racks and better storage facilities have been established in the storage shed, d. Several closets and cabinets were built in Quarters # 1 & # 2 and in the service building during January,

6, Repair and Maintenance

a. The refuge 991 wooden tower was completely overhauled. The platform and cab rebuilt and all rotten members replaced. The auxi^&Lry cab installed by the Array was removed and a new flight of steps installed. The entire stairway was worked over and weak members replaced. The cab, platform and stairs were painted.

b. The exterior of Quarters # 2 has been painted. Replacement of rotten members in Quarters # 2 garage & the replacement of the gutters on Quar ters # 2 are currently underway, c. The 1951 Jeep pickup, 1953 Chevrolet,and 1948 Ford pickup were under- coated • 'v. - d. The 1951 Jeep and 1948 Ford were painted. e. Refuge constructed bumpers & hitches were put on the 1951 Jeep. f. The Buda motor for the Bucyrus Erie dragline was rebuilt. g. Continued repairs to the bodies and hoists of the L-190 International Dump trucks took place this spring. h. The boats Striker and Snow Goose are currently being painted, and new Chrysler engines received from Army surplus at no cost are being in stalled. 1. Miscellaneous brake, ignition and motor maintenance for all eleven vehicles. ?• Soil and Moisture Many of the brush piles from last summer*s clearing were removed during the period. Many still remain^ for removed, B . Plantings

1, Aquatic and marsh plants

None. 2, Trees and shrubs

None, 3, Upland Herbaceous plants None 4, Cultivated crops Refuge lands are under tillage this spring on the following basis, Booperator Crops

Permit | Cooperator Crop Acres Field

5-112 Aruthur Carrow Jr, Soybeans 50.5 3 tt tt n Com 31.0 4 tt n M Soybeans 27.0 17

5-111 Wm, Knotts Corn 17.0 13 N » tt Corn 12.0 8

5-110 Ennis & Oneil Corn 14.00 10 tt tt UN Soybewis 15.0 19 tt n tt » Soybeans 10.0 22

Summary Corn —— 74 acres Soybeans-102.5 acres

Total 176.5 acres Refuge Crops

0ro£ Acres Cowpeas 2 acres Sorghums 14 acres Millet 14 acres Buckwheat 6 acres 80.5 acres Soybeans for green manure lift.5 acres Total C. Collections

1. Seed or other Propagules

None

2. Specimens

Ninety-seven live raccoons shipped to Patuxent Refuge as previously -noted under • Furbearers mU^r- ». ^^n-i— ^j/^y

D» Receipts of Seed and Nursury Stock

None IV Economic Use A. Grazing No grazing during the period; however, a permit for the grazing of 6 Holstein young stock May 15 to September 30th has been issued Mr. Harry S. Virdin, Smyrna, Delaware. B. Haying None.

C. Pur Harvest No harvest was taken of refuge furbearers this year for scarcity and management reasons. D. Timber Removal None V. Field Investigation or Applied Research

A. Banding Twenty-seven additional Canada Geese were neck banded during the period^ Making the winter total only s^xty-seven. Another 30 Canada Geese were caught but not banded^instead held for shipment as decoy birds. Duck banding was very poor this winter. Refuge personnel did not have time to run a complete program alone due to the construction program work load. Cooperative arrangements with the Delaware Game & Fish Commission bogged down shortly after inception,because their men were spread too thin throughout the state to work effectively at any one place.

Banding only included the followings 68 black duck 11 baldpate 2 mallard 7 E^ai1 \ lesser scaup j lg!leneye Total 91 From 4/l - 4/4/54 three green neok - banded birds from Blackwater were on the refuge. B. Mosquito Evaluation studies The cooperative study between the U. S. Bureau of Entomology and Plant Quarantine, The Delaware Agricultural Station,and our service resumed April 12th. Resumption of the program to evaluate the mosquito breeding potential of refuge impoundments as compared with the salt marsh is presently underway, with Mr. Paul Springer of Patuxent Refuge taking dips for larvae two days a .week.

The New Jersey type light trap began operating about the same time as the resumption of dipping studies* C. Controlled burning Controlled burning of the Spartina marsh association took place during dry periods in January and February.

Burning was done on approximately 7,300 acres of the 12,000 acres salt marsh this year.

Aerial observation indicated an 80% successful burn.. Little or no change has occurred in the plant association as a result of burning, the main effect being the destruction of the vegitative mat. \1fhere the mat has burned through and the marsh level lowered, S. altemif lora and occasionally three-square have come in.

There has been evidence of small steady percentily increase following each year^ burning in duck numbers. However, while last year Snow and Canada Geese utilized the burn,no such activity was noted this year. VI. Public Relations A> Recreational Use During the period the refuge was visited by members of several amateur ornithological and nature societies.

Most visitors emphasis is An bird observation, but some are interested in the management of the refuge. Several Boy Scout troops and J|irl Scout troops camped on the refuge during the period. B. Refuge Visitors During the period approximately 2,688 persons visited the refuge. Official visitors to the refuge for the period are as follows*

Date Visitors Purpose iA R. Gallo, Game Management Agent Visit Dover, Delaware

1/13 Lee Braokett, Asst. Reg. Super. (Eaforoement) Visit Boston, Mass. 1/13 R. Gallo, Game Management Agent Dover, Delaware Visit 1/18 William Good, Patuxent Reasearch Refuge For geese & laurel, Maryland raccoons for disease study

2/8 A. F. Miller, Ref. Ref. Super. Boston, Mass. g Inspection 2/11 B. M. Mills, Rodent Control Visit Boston, Mass.

3/15 R. Gallo, Game Management Agent Visit & Radio Dover, Delaware

3/30 A. F. Miller, Ref:. Ref. Super. Inspeotion Boston, Mass. 1)

3/31 John Halderman, Brigantine Refuge For Transit Ooeanville, New Jersey

4/12 McCreay, Springer, Tuplehom Mosquito Control Del. Universityv Patuxent Refuge 4/15 Steve Kendall, Parker River Grain Newburyport, Mass.

4/18 David R. Gascoyne, Reg. Director Visit Boston, Mass. Date Visitor Purpose 4/19 McCreay & Tuplehora Mosquito Control Delaware University 4/29 R. Gallo, Game Management Agent Visit Dover, Delaware C. Refuge Participation

On January fe7th the manager attended portions of the Northeastern - Waterfowl Council meeting in Wilmington, Delamre,

The raanager met with technicians from the other conservation agencies and the Exec. Council of the Boy Scouts of America to discuss that organ ization^ general conservation plans.

D. Hunting The refuge ms opened for deer hunting January 1, 2 & 4, 1954. The details of the hunt were reported in the last narrative. The total kill ms 56; another 11 animals were estimated dead of wounds. The. herd remains now at 70 head. During the three days season 500 people hunted on the refuge,while 1500 were declined entrance for safety reasons.

No one ms hurt during the hunt. E. Fishing Only insignificant fishing for a few white perch, eels,and crabs is done on bh the refuge. Some commercial crabbing and oystering is done on navigable mters around the refuge. Violations None this period.

VIII. Other Items A. Items of Interest 1. Several trips transporting heavy equipment for other refuges were made during the period by the refuge tractor-trailer. 2. Many items of new surplus arny supplies and equipment,such as 2 boat motors, chain falls, a metal band saw, fire hose, chain, electric wire, nails, bolts, hardware, etc., have been procurred during the period. 3. Born to Dave & Arlene Hickok on January 10, 1954, a son. Born to Buddy & Joan Parker on January 15th a daughter. B. Photographs

X section of photos on some refuge activities is included following the body of the report.

Submitted by$

5/6/54

Approved 1 Daviavid M. Hiokok Refuge Manager Regional Refuge Supervisor Date

Regional Director Date 3-1750 Form NR-1 (Rev. March 19^3) WATERFOWL

MONTHS OF REFUGE —a« . . M^- i TO 1% ^ Weeks of reporting period (i) t % t i : : t Species 2 t 3 » U < 5 : t 8 : 9 : 10 Swans t Whistling 28 Trumpeter Geeset Canada 6.000 6,000 3,000 .,:,D70 ^,0)0 2,000 1,500 1,500 1,500 1,500 Cackling mmmm mmmm

Brant mmmm m<— "— mmmmm White-fronted mttmm mmmmm mtmmm m»mm Snow 75 Blue •'•*'" — mmmm mmmm other Eur.Pink Footcjd mmtmmm Ducks; Mallard 15,000 14,000 5,000 1.400 1,400 1,200 1,200 1,200 1,300 2,000 Black 20,000 13,000 8,000 4.000 4,000 5,500 4,000 4,500 5,000 5,000 Gadwall 350 350 50 50 50 50 400 600 700 Baldpate 400 400 400 100 •—• mmmm 700 700 700

Pintail Qt500 4.000 500 100 100 50 mmmm mmmm mmmm Green-winged teal 2,000 2,000 400 4)0 200 100 200 400 300 1,000 Blue-winged teal mm trnm 10 150 200 Cinnamon teal Shoveler 250 100 2 8 60 100 Wood SO 50 4 4 4 10 10 Redhead Ring-necked mmmm mmmm id 50 Canvasback 160 150 100 100 10w> 50 150 85 180 425 Scaup 550 400 300 300 150 (>5 100 450 0 700 Goldeneye 6 •* il. «a •• Bufflehead 10 50 r MI 10 20 20 Ruddy 75 75 mummm —— Z 6 Other Scoter 1 mmmm mmmm mmmm H» Morgans«r 20 20 10 50 75 60 .) A, Itorgtunser 50 50 20 mmmm.s 20 60 80 100 Cooti 250 250 10 10 20 40 40 Int. Dup. Sec., u«ev% n n --- • , • nJ5 3-^ Cont. NR-1 (Rev. March 19^3) v ATERFOWL (_ ^ntinuation Sheet)

REFUGE Bombay iiook %. 1. Refuge MONTHS OF January TO April 30 19J1 T25 Weeks of reporting period T—rn ;—on : t :: Estimatewaterfowdl :: BroodsProductio: Estimaten d 11 12 13 1U 15 16 ; 17 ? 18 : days use i seen ; total Swans: Whistling 28 Trumpeter Geese: Canada 3.000 6.000 6.000 5,500 4.000 2. 1.500 300 549,900 Cackling Brant White-fronted Snow 500 50 4.009 Blue 6 Other Ear. Fink Footed Ducks: Mallard 2,20 0 5.300 ft.000 3,000 2,100 1.500 1.000 700 358,300 Black 6.00 0 9,000 9.000 6.200 4.300 3,100 2,300 768,500 Gadwall 800 900 700 350 350 5T8 575 «OG 46,150 Baldpate 800 1.000 900 750 600 400 100 4u 54,U0 Pintail 600 aoo 800 100 54,550 Green-winged teal ,100 2.400 2,300 1,300 1.300 1.200 400 100 120,800 Blue-winged teal 300 700 750 900 1,000 1,000 1,200 65,770 Cinnamon teal Shoveler 100 400 500 225 75 10 40 20 12,170 Wood 10 20 30 12 20 5;; 20 20 1,868 Redhead 1 —1 14 Ring-necked 50 300 ISO 180 100 40 5.670 Canvasback 200 700 100 425 500 SOQ 175 25,080 Scaup 500 300 400 600 425 5S0 400 41.790 Goldeneye 12 Bufflehead 20 30 100 140 80 30 40 4,400 Ruddy- 10 50 50 30 20 20 1 18 2,225 Other v ^ • :'cote r 1 llm lferg*neer 4j 40 40 35 20 2 5,225 A« Merganser 100 120 140 60 8 6 5,448 Coot: 60 200 300 500 400 900 1,200 35,410 (over) mo jj)— (7) Total Days Use —m— Total Production SUMMARY

Swans £S Peak Number Principal feeding areas sh^mr^ Pnnl, rianr,e -fltnd Geese tfft.m mrtih. Beer Swamp, Uaynnndi Pnnl ( rV.ririn freiaTe »p „ M Salt tiraii b' low Leipsic Creek) Ducks i.mois Principal nesting areas fi.mo Coots 4.V™ Reported by . 4^ J6^*^C**^ l,20Q

INSTRUCTIONS (See Sees. 7531 through 753U, Wildlife Refuges Field Manual) (1) Species: In addition to the birds listed on form, other species occurring on refuge during the reporting period should be added in appropriate spaces. Special attention should be given to those species of local and national significance. (2) Weeks of Reporting Period: Estimated average refuge populations. (3) Estimated Waterfowl Days Use: Average weekly populations x number of days present for each species. (li) Production: Estimated number of young produced based on observations and actual counts on representative breeding areas. Brood counts should be made on two or more areas aggregating 10^ of the breeding habitat. Estimates having no basis in fact should be omitted. (5) Total Days Use: A summary of data recorded under (3). (6) Peak Number: Maximum number of waterfowl present on refuge during any census of reporting period. (7) Total Production: A summary of data recorded under (U).

Interior Duplicating Section, Washington, ^. C. k 1953 3-1751 Form NR-1A MIGRATORY BIRDS (Aug. 1952] (Other than Waterfowl) Re fuge3fM*X..l™*..A»Ji^. . . ^ Months of.Jft™*n". .to^P.rAl.??: .....195*

(2) (3) (4) (6) Species First Seen Peak Concentration Last Seen Production Total Inclusive Number Total # Total Estimated Common Name Number Date Numbe r Dates Numbe r Date Colonies Nests Young Use

I. Water and Marsh Birds: Bl-cr-^wn^n x-i-^ht her or 4/6 140 4/11 4/23 14^ ried tilled greb« E/4 30 4/10 mt brm - 500 ..-rTief5 zrvbe a/12 6 4/2 4/18 Cr. :1 « j-.eror. t • 12 ii/EO Wit 1274

II. Shorebirds. Gulls and Terns:

^iilet 4/22 SO 1200 Leaser Yell owl ^ s 1500 m 2000 lilldeer 2/26 fiOO 4/1 n Gr. Yell owl 4/6 250 4/30 m

(over) ill 13) (4) '5) (6) III. Doves and Pigeons: Mourning dove White-winged dove win MNNMI 300 31/10 13^0

IV. Predaceous Birds: Golden eagle Duck hawk 2/Q V14 •J o -Jervatiou Horned owl OE Magpie Raven Crow 5000 /5

Reported by_

INSTRUCTIONS (See Sec. 7552, Wildlife Refuges Field Manual) 1) Species: Use the correct names as found in the A.O.U. Checklist, 1931 Edition, and list group in A.O.U. order. Avoid general terms as "seagull", "tern", etc. In addition to the birds listed on form, other species occurring on refuge during the reporting period should be added in appro priate spaces. Special attention should be given to those species of local and National significance. Groups: I. Water and Marsh Birds (Gaviiformes to Ciconiiformes and Gruiiformes II. Shorebirds. Gulls and Terns (Charadriiformes) III. Doves and Pigeons (Columbiformes) IV. Predaceous Birds (Falconiformes, Strigiformes and predaceous Passeriformes) (2) First Seen: The first migration record for the species for the reporting period.

(3) Peak Numbers: Estimated number and inclusive dates when peak population of the species occurred.

(4) Last Seen: The last refuge record for the species during the season concerned.

(5) Production: Estimated number of young produced based on observations and actual counts.

(6) Total: Estimated species days use (average population X no. days present) of refuge during the reporting period. Interior—Duplicating Section, Washington, D. C. 26014 3-1752 Form NR-2 "^UND GAME BIRDS 1613 (April 1946; Refu e 19^4 g —^ 11•'}'•' ' , . , - Months ofvfltir«ny

(1) (2) (3) M (5) (6) (7) Species Density Young Sex Removals Total Remarks Produced Ratio

^3 Estimated xi 1 o U ai- number Pertinent information not Acres v r) > a Cover types, total per o - •H O using specifically requested. SOW to o Common Name acreage of habitat Bird B Percentage 4^ p -p Refuge List introductions here. s x> o to CQ to W

"In--necked -heaeant 800 acres of up*> land ard oarsh :e 12 35t 50

Sebwhite v.uail 809 150

January 1; 54

^Ight " wild • turireys released oy Del* Game & Fish CoiMiwlea

2 toius

8 BMM INSTRUCTIONS Form NR-2 - UPLAND GAME BIRDS.* (1) SPECIES: Use correct common name. (2) DENSITY: Applies particularly to those species considered in removal programs (public hunts, etc.). Detailed data may be omitted for species occurring in limited numbers. Density to be expressed in acres per animal by covor types. This information is to be prefaced by a statement from the refuge manager as to the number of acres in each cover type found on the refuge; once submitted, this information need not be repeated except as significant changes occur in the area of cover types. Cover types should be detailed enough to furnish the desired information but not so much as to obscure the general picture. ExamplesJ spruce snamp, upland hardwoods, reverting agriculture land, bottomland hardwoods, short grass prairie, etc. Standard type symbols listed in Midlife Management Series No. 7 should be used where possible. Figures submitted should be based on actual observations and counts on representative sample areas. Survey method used and size of sample area or areas should be indicated under Remarks.

(3) YOUNG PRODUCED: Estimated number of young produced, based upon observations and actual counts in representative breeding habitat. U) SEX RATIO: This column applies primarily to wild turkey, pheasants, etc. Include data on other species if available. (5) REMOVALS: Indicate total number in each category removed during the report period. (6) TOTAL: Estimated total number using the refuge during the report period. This may include resident birds plus those migrating into the refuge during certain seasons. (7) REMARKS: Indicate method used to determine population and area covered in survey. Also include other pertinent information not specifically requested.

* Only columns applicable to the period covered should be used.

1613 For:n NTUU (June 19^5) SMALL MAMMALS

Refuge ^ ' :^ ;.: J; '.^f , Year ending Apr. - 30. 19M

(1) (2) (3) (U) (5) Species Density Removal 1 Dlgoosltion of Birs Total ti Share Trapping « Popula 4* O iH 1 c CD « aa Cover Types & Total Acres •H % 8 « o tion o rH Per u t © d Permit « ** h o ^ o o « 55 u a Comnon Name Acreage of Habitat to o o •> pc« a Number O p Animal I ^1 a> s EH

JUskrat 12,2l4frf sn * brack! 1 5.4 UQI a — - est. * nun Otter 122 not e — est. Pad fox 13,912 mfh fields Is woods 347 not 10

Paocoon 10.7 S7 ei fc«130 0 Opossum 1000 acres wooded

sttkrth edt e St upland 10 est. 100 Reaver 120 aores wooded smmp 50 nor e Cotton tail rabbits 860 u-Aend 1.4 140 >4.307 est. GOO

• List removals by Predator Animal Hunter RUdARKS; 'rwdfctor oontrcd around duck traps. ]

Reported by INSTEUCTIONS

Form NR-U - SMALL MAMMALS (Include data on all species of importance in the manag'ement program; 1. e., muskrats, heaver, coon, mink, coyote. Data on small rodents may "be omitted except for estimated total population of each species considered in control operations.)

(l) SPECIES: Use correct common name. Example: Striped skunk, spotted skunk, short- tailed weasel, gray squirrel, fox squirrel, white-tailed JackrahMt, etc. (Accepted common names in current use are found in the "Field Book of North American Mammals" hy H. E, Anthony and the "Manual of the Vertebrate Animals of the Northeastern United States" by David Starr Jordan.)

(2) DENSITY: Applies particularly to those species considered in removal programs. Detailed data may be omitted for species occurring in limited numbers. Density to be expressed in acres per animal by cover types. This informa^ tion is to be prefaced by a statement from the refuge manager as to the number of acres in each cover type found on the refuge; once submitted, this information need not be repeated except as significant changes occur in the area of cover types. Cover types should be detailed enough to furnish the desired information but not so much as to obscure the general picture. Examples: spruce swamp, upland hardwoods, reverting agriculture land, bottom land hardwoods, short grass prairie, etc. Standard type symbols listed in midlife Management Series No. 7 should be used where possible. Figuras sub mitted should be based on actual observations and counts on representative sample areas. Survey method used and size of sample area or areas should be indicated under Remarks.

(3) RB10VALS Indicate the total number Tinder each category removed since April 30 of the previous year, including any taken on the refuge by Service Predatory Animal Hunter. Also show any removals not falling under headingslisted.

(U) DISPOSITION OF 3UR: On share-trapped furs list the permit number, trapper's share, and refuge share. Indicate the number of pelts shipped to market, including furs taken by Service personnel. Total number of pelts of each species destroyed because of unprime- ness or damaged condition, and furs donated to institutions or other agencies should be shown in the column provided.

(5) TOTAL POPULATION: Estimated total population of each species reported on as of April 30.

REMARKS: Indicate Inventory method(s) used, size of sample area(s), Introductions, and any other pertinent information not specifically requested. 116007 3-1570 NR-8a

REFUGE GRAIN REPORT

RefU e g r--. - Months of..ja«mry. thru..i.pr41-30--19454

(1) (2) (3) (4) (5) (6) (7) ON HAND RECEIVED GRAIN DISPOSED OF ON HAND PROPOSED USE BEGINNING DURING TRANS END OF VARIETY OF PERIOD PERIOD TOTAL FERRED SEEDED FED TOTAL PERIOD SEED FEED SURP.

Com ( in shell ed measure ) 1144 ou. 1144 bu. 20 300 S20 644 Cats S60 f 350 obo ~ ,—

Buokwheat 7 bu. —— 7 bu. «»— 7 bu. T bu. —

Rey 109 bu. 109 bu. 90 — . 10 bu. 100 ou. 9 u. 9 bu

theat 3 bu. 5 bu. 5 bu. a bu. 0 bu.

Barley £0 bu. 2Z0 b . . ... ^ .•' i •

Soybeans 3(53 bu. C63 : u . Zbi bu. 15 5o . u .

(8) Indicate shipping or collection points Jr. , -v*™-,!-

Grain is stored at. r€»TfiT-^T-v:T'n-">"""1rc-.:""r-:r.----r::ir"t-xiis

10) Remarks ra ^tppad ^isai^uol w */lV^ lyy 8hipp«?d -arker Kivor - 4/15/54 NR-8a REFUGE GRAIN REPORT

This report should cover all grain on hand, received, or disposed of, during the period covered by this narrative report.

Report all grain in bushels. For the purpose of this report the following approximate weights of grain shall be considered equivalent to a bushel: Corn (shelled)—--55 lbs.. Corn (ear)—70 lbs.. Wheat—60 lbs.. Barley—50 lbs.. Rye—55 lbs., Oats—30 lbs.. Soy Beans—60 lbs.. Millet—50 lbs., Cowpeas—60 lbs., and Mixed—50 lbs. In computing volume of granaries, multiply the cubic contents (cu. ft.) by 0.8 bushels.

(1) List each type of grain separately: Corn, wheat, proso millet, etc. Include only domestic grains; aquatic and other seeds will be listed on NR-9.

(3) Report all grain received during period from all sources, such as transfer, share- cropping, or harvest from food patches.

(4) A total of Columns 2 and 3.

(6) Column 4 less Column 5.

(7) This is a proposed breakdown by varieties of grain listed in Column 6.

(8) Nearest railroad station for shipping and receiving.

(9) Where stored on refuge: "Headquarters grainary", etc.

(10) Indicate here the source of grain shipped in, destination of grain transferred, data on condition of grain, unusual uses proposed. Series of pictures showing erection of concrete block wquipment shed. With foundation laid blocks going up. Note reinforcing rods thru blocks anchored to foundation. With mils up, trusses being raised to position. Note pilasters ia rear wall and incomplete expansion joint between front plate & end walls. With roof on, shingles almost finished - Note white asbestos shingles on gable ends. Concrete blocks will be ftondexed. Yiew of installed 2 post hydraulic hoist ia operatiem.

View of ducks & geese on Raymonds Pool during spring migration,