2013 Comprehensive Shorebird Nesting Summary & Year One Progress Report, DWH/MC252 Avian Conservation Habitat Project Tiered

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2013 Comprehensive Shorebird Nesting Summary & Year One Progress Report, DWH/MC252 Avian Conservation Habitat Project Tiered to the BP Early Framework Restoration Agreement

Gulf Islands National Seashore

Science & Resources Management Division Rick Clark, Chief

Florida District Monica Hardin, Rebecca Carruth, Toby Stapleton, and Jordan Smith, Biological Science Technicians

Mississippi District Gary Hopkins, Mississippi District Biologist Jeffrey Sloane, Mississippi District Project Leader Amy Hammesfahr, James Ryan Hess and John Gibson, Biological Science Technicians

Nesting Snowy plover in Perdido Key area (Monica Hardin)

Table of Contents

Abstract 4

Park-wide Data Summary 7

Introduction 8

Florida District

Methods 11

Fort Pickens 21

Santa Rosa 27

Perdido Key 33

FP Nest Location Maps 36

SR Nest Location Maps 37

PK Nest Location Maps 38

Graphs 39 - 40

GUIS Data Tables 41 - 43

SUNY Banding Data 44 - 45

Acknowledgements 50

Mississippi District

Introduction 51

Staffing 51

Survey Methods 52

Closures 52

Data Management 53

Weather 53

Table of Contents Continued

Colonial Data Summary by Island

Petit Bois Island 55

Sand Island 58

Horn Island 60

East Ship Island 64

West Ship Island 66

Solitary Data Summary by Island

Petit Bois Island 70

Sand Island 73

Horn Island 75

East Ship Island 79

West Ship Island 80

Results and Recommendations 81

Abstract

The protection and survey actions implemented through this project are funded by the Deepwater Horizon Early Restoration Project “ Enhanced Management of Avian Breeding Habitat Injured by Response in the Florida Panhandles, Alabama and Mississippi”.

FLORIDA DISTRICT:

The Florida district of Gulf Islands National Seashore (GUIS) provides ideal and well-used nesting grounds for many different species of shorebirds and seabirds, primarily snowy plovers, Wilson’s plovers, least terns, black skimmers, and gull-billed terns. Snowy plovers (Charadrius alexandrinus) nest in the flat, open and somewhat shelly/gravelly habitat in the Fort Pickens (FP), Perdido Key (PK), and Santa Rosa (SR) areas; Wilson’s plovers (Charadrius wilsonia) prefer similar nesting habitat to the snowy plovers but have only been recorded in the FP and SR areas. Other solitary nesters including killdeer and common nighthawks are also recorded. Observers look for snowy plovers (SNPL) and Wilson’s plovers (WIPL) to flush from their nest. After marking the nest location with a numbered stick placed 20-30 feet to the north, nests are then monitored as often as possible for hatching or depredation. Least terns (Sternula antillarum) and black skimmers (Rynchops niger) establish nesting colonies in numerous large flat, open, and shelly/gravelly areas with little to no vegetation in the Fort Pickens, Perdido Key and Santa Rosa areas. Gull-billed terns (Gelochelidon nilotica) have nested in established colonies with least terns and black skimmers on occasion since 2009 in the Fort Pickens and Santa Rosa areas. Observers look for least terns (LETE) to begin to colonize an area, the area is named based on location and historical data; the colony is then monitored and counted from the perimeter to determine the number of nests throughout the nesting season or as long as the colony remains active. Black skimmers (BLSK) and gull-billed terns (GBTE) arrive in our areas later in the season, usually late April to mid-May, and tend to colonize in an already established LETE colony. Surveys have been conducted primarily via UTV, with occasional walk-through grid techniques.

Fort Pickens had 53 SNPL nests in 2013 with at least 14 breeding females documented and 8 established LETE colonies, BLSK were observed attempting to nest in 1 of these colonies and GBTE were observed nesting in 1 of these colonies. Santa Rosa had 37 SNPL nests with at least 9 breeding females, 9 WIPL nests with at least 6 breeding females documented and 10 established LETE colonies, BLSK were observed attempting to nest in 4 of these colonies and GBTE were observed attempting to nest in 2 of these colonies. Perdido Key had 43 SNPL nests with at least 11 breeding females documented and 4 established LETE colonies, and BLSK were observed attempting to nest in 1 of these colonies. All three areas had LETE nest in small groups or by themselves outside of established colonies.

Challenges to all nesting shorebird success included severe weather, multiple predators, and human disturbances; along with locating and monitoring efforts starting later than normal and restrictions on posting areas, causing several nests and colonies to go unprotected and unmonitored.

Speed limits were reduced, from 35 mph to 20 mph, at FP and SR on April 1, 2013. Speed humps were installed in the days following the speed limit reduction for the second year. Speed limit reduction zones were later discontinued in mid-August after nesting was completed and shorebird colonies abandoned.

A new Section 106 archaeological and tribal monitoring requirement that tiered directly to the NEPA/EA/FONSI for the NRDA shorebird habitat restoration project funded under the BP early framework restoration agreement was deemed applicable to all agencies (trustees). As a result, no digging could occur, i.e. closure sign installation, from April 1, 2013 through May 19, 2013.

Consequently, this delayed nesting perimeter closures becoming established, which resulted in some intrusions by visitors into the Park to occur in sensitive areas.

All 2013 Shorebird nesting data is stored on Gulf Islands National Seashore Science and Resources Management Division’s ‘R-Drive’; all 2013 Shorebird nesting GIS data is stored on the ‘G-drive’.

MISSISSIPPI DISTRICT:

The Mississippi District had twenty-one nesting colonies monitored on five GUIS MS barrier islands: Petit Bois (six colonies), Sand (one colony), Horn (seven colonies), East Ship (three colonies), and West Ship (four colonies). Monitoring began on May 8 and ended on August 30.

Colonial nesting species were comprised of the Black Skimmer (Rynchops niger), Least Tern (Sternula antillarum), Gull-billed Tern (Gelochelidon nilotica), Royal Tern (Thalasseus maximus), Sandwich Tern (Thalasseus sandvicensis), Common Tern (Sterna hirundo ), and Sooty Tern (Onychoprion fuscatus).

The total number of adults in a colony and fledglings observed by species are Black Skimmers with 634 adults, 287 nests and 191 fledglings, Least Terns with 1523 adults 561 nests and 7 fledglings, Gull-billed Terns with 79 adults 33 nests and 12 fledglings, Common Terns with 81 adults 40 nests and 38 fledglings and Sooty Terns with 1 observed adult 1 nest and 0 observed fledglings.

By island, West Ship had the largest number of nests and the largest number of fledglings with 1,183 adults, 507 nests and 239 fledglings observed. East Ship Island was second with a total of 631 adults, 303 nests and 3 fledglings observed. Third was Petit Bois Island with 175 adults, 60 nests and 5 fledglings observed. Sand Island was fourth 133 adults, 27 nests and 1 fledgling observed. Horn had 186 adults, 25 nests with 0 fledglings.

Productivity District-wide nests (sitting adults) to fledglings by species: Common Tern, 95%, Black Skimmer, 66.6%, Gull-billed Tern, 36.4%, Least Tern, 1.2%, and Sooty Tern 0% .

Of special note: This is the first year that Common Terns and Sooty Terns have been documented nesting in the Mississippi District. Historically, Royal Terns (Thalasseus maximus) and Sandwich Terns (Thalasseus sandvicensis) actively nest.

In the Mississippi District, five of the GUIS MS barrier islands were surveyed on a rotational basis for solitary nesting species: Petit Bois, Sand (Spoil), Horn, East Ship, and West Ship. A total of 49.9 linear miles of shoreline was surveyed on a rotational basis. Monitoring began on May 8 and ended on August 30.

Nesting solitary species observed included: Willet (Tringa semipalmata ), Snowy Plover (Charadrius alexandrinus), Wilson’s Plover (Charadrius wilsonia ), American Oystercatcher (Haematopus palliatus) and Black-necked Stilt (Himantopus mexicanus).

Horn Island had the largest number of observed solitary adults with 94 Willets, 69 Snowy Plovers, 20 Wilson’s Plover, 68 American Oystercatchers and 6 Black-necked Stilts. Petit Bois was second with 14 Willets, 14 Snowy Plovers, 7 Wilson’s Plover, and 14 American Oystercatchers. Next was Sand Island with 2 Willets, 5 Snowy Plovers, 4 Wilson’s Plover, and 9 American Oystercatchers. West Ship Island had 6 Willets, 3 Snowy Plovers, 3 Wilson’s Plover, and 6 American Oystercatchers. The observed adults for East Ship Island are 2 Willets, 5 Snowy Plovers, 4 Wilson’s Plover, and 9 American Oystercatchers.

Mississippi District-wide the total number of observed adults by species are: Willet, 117, American Oystercatcher, 101, Snowy Plover 93, Wilson’s Plover, 36, and Black-necked Stilt, 6.

Though these numbers are not actual nest counts they are a trend indicator of potential nesting activity. Larger islands the larges area of nesting habitat should have higher observed numbers. Logistics also influenced the numbers for example; Horn Island had the most surveys while East and West Ship Island had the lowest solitary surveys.

In the Mississippi District, documented disturbances to nesting included free running dogs, raccoons, UTV/ATV use at and around the nesting colonies, visitor activities (walk-throughs and camping) and wind, rain and high tides associated with foul weather.

All colonies were impacted by strong winds and high tides as well as frequent isolated thunderstorms. Colonies on the on the tips of the island were the most susceptible. Tropical Storm Andrea was the only named tropical weather to influence our area.

Park-wide Shorebird Nesting Data Summary

Combined Peak Totals for Colonial Species: Adults Sitting Species Adults Chicks Fledges (Nests) Least Tern 2042 1283 163 144 Black 240 126 0 0 Florida Skimmer Gull-billed 48 28 0 0 Tern Least Tern 1523 561 7 7 Black 634 287 61 191 Skimmer Gull-billed 79 33 Mississippi 21 12 Tern Common 81 40 46 38 Tern Sooty Tern 1 1 1 0

Adults Sitting Species Adults Chicks Fledges (Nests) Least Tern 3565 1844 170 151 Black 874 413 61 191 Skimmer Gull-billed GUIS Totals 127 61 21 12 Tern Common 81 40 46 38 Tern Sooty Tern 1 1 1 0

Florida District Solitary Totals by Species: Snowy Plover Wilson’s Plover Willet Nests 132 9 1 Chicks 56 6 0

Mississippi District Solitary Totals by Species: Adults Species Pairs* Nests* Eggs* Chicks* Fledges* Observed Snowy 93 10 8 5 3 0 Plover American 101 23 17 5 10 3 Oystercatcher Willet 117 9 6 0 0 0 Wilson’s 36 3 3 0 2 0 Plover Black-necked 6 3 2 0 2 2 Stilt Numbers represent incidental observations not actual counts.

Introduction

Gulf Islands National Seashore (GUIS), founded in 1971, is located in the northeastern portion of the Gulf of Mexico. It is comprised of two districts, one located in Florida (Maps 1 & 2) Mississippi and the other in Mississippi (Map 3)

Map 1

The Florida District, located near Pensacola, FL has three separate barrier island areas that were used by shorebirds for ground nesting: Santa Rosa, Fort Pickens and Perdido Key. (Map 2) The Santa Rosa area consists of 12.2 km of shoreline habitat on Santa Rosa Island, east of the Pensacola Beach. Fort Pickens is comprised of 12.3 km of island shoreline, and is located west of Pensacola Beach on Santa Rosa Island. The 11.2 km shoreline of the Perdido Key area is located on Perdido Key, which is located west of Santa Rosa Island. These three areas comprise the 35.7 km of barrier islands shoreline within the Florida district, which were subject to nesting activities.

Map 2

Island South Shore Length (km) Acres Shorebird Habitat Acres Management Area Santa Rosa 12.2 km 1598 1300 Fort Pickens 12.3 km 2742 900 Perdido Key 11.2 km 1041 800 Chart 1: Estimated shoreline, acreage and shorebird habitat of GUIS FL District barrier islands.

The Mississippi District of GUIS is comprised of 6 barrier islands located 4 to 11 miles off the coast of the Mississippi mainland (Map 3). Five of these islands, Petit Bois, Horn, Sand, East Ship and West Ship Islands were surveyed during the project season. The sum total of 49.9 linear miles (80.3 km) of shoreline was surveyed on a rotation basis, representing a total of estimated 1604.7 acres of shorebird habitat. See Chart 1 for an estimate breakdown of the miles, acreages and shorebird habitat acres of each island.

Map 3: Map of the Mississippi District of GUIS.

Island South Shore Length (mi/km) Acres Shorebird Habitat Acres Petit Bois 6.4 / 10.3 966.4 369.8 Sand 2.3 / 3.4 entire 133 79.1 Horn 12.5 / 20.1 3087.9 780.8 East Ship 1.7 / 2.7 136.4 186.8 West Ship 3.2 / 5.1 575.3 188.1 Chart 2: Estimated shoreline, acreage and shorebird habitat of GUIS MS District barrier islands. Estimates based on 2008 aerial photography.

At Gulf Islands National Seashore, snowy plovers (Charadrius alexandrinus) nest in the flat, open and somewhat shelly/gravelly habitat in the Fort Pickens, Perdido Key, and Santa Rosa areas. Wilson’s plover (Charadrius wilsonia) have also been observed nesting at the Santa Rosa area each year and on occasion at the Fort Pickens area since 2007. Surveys have been conducted primarily via ATV, with occasional walk-through grid techniques. Post Hurricane Ivan, most open areas devoid of vegetation could be quickly surveyed by ATV. Observers look for plovers that are sitting on their nests. Typically the plovers will rise up off of the nest when approached within their flushing distance; they then move a short distance away and attempt to draw the surveyor away from the nest by using an injured/broken-wing behavior. Located nests were marked with a numbered stick placed 20-30 feet north of the nest and are then monitored daily or on every second day for hatching and depredation. Least terns (Sternula antillarum) and black skimmers (Rynchops niger) nest as colonies in numerous large flat, open, and shelly/gravelly areas devoid of vegetation in the Fort Pickens, Perdido Key and Santa Rosa areas. Gull- billed terns have nested in established colonies with least terns and black skimmers on occasion since 2009 in the Fort Pickens and Santa Rosa areas.

Biologists, technicians, and trained volunteers from the Park’s Science & Resources Management Division (SRM) began conducting nesting shorebird surveys in early March for snowy plovers (SNPL). Least tern (LETE) and black skimmer (BLSK) nesting surveys began in mid-late April, 2013. LETE started to arrive in the local area at the beginning of April and BLSK were observed in early May.

The current plover monitoring program began in 1999. The purpose of the patrols is to locate, monitor and protect plover nests. The majority of nests laid at GUIS are snowy plover but Wilson’s plovers have also nested inside the park. In the 2007 season, the total number of plover nests had a dramatic increase

9 from the 2006 season. The 2008 season, also had a great increase in total plover nests within the park from the 2007 season. By 2011, those numbers began to decline.

FLORIDA DISTRICT

Methods

Beginning in early-March, teams of personnel patrolled the islands searching for plover breeding pairs and nests. Surveys have been conducted primarily using ATV’s/UTV’s, although walk-through grid techniques are used in some more vegetated areas. Survey methods consisted of trained personnel traveling at slow speed in a coordinated fashion to cover the areas of plover habitat, from the frontal beach back into the tertiary dune system to the north shore. While moving slowly through the habitat, surveyors noted any plovers flushed out. The ATV was stopped until the bird was identified, and if it was a snowy or Wilson’s plover, the personnel dismounted the ATVs and operated on foot until the nest was located. A rapid search of the immediate area was made, using high concentrations of plover tracks or defensive behavior of the bird to determine proximity to the nest and locate the eggs.

If the bird did not display, or seemed too excited to return to the nest, the team withdrew to a distance sufficient to calm the bird. The bird was monitored through binoculars until it returned to its nest.

After the nest location was established, the team moved to the nest, displacing the incubating bird temporarily. The eggs in the nest were counted and the location of the scrape was taken with a GPS. A marker stick with a yellow stripe and the identifying number was placed nearby (about 20-30 feet north), far enough not to interfere with the nest or alarm the female. The eggs were shaded during this time by one team member.

In previous years, if the nest was in an area of high visitor traffic, closure signs were placed in a perimeter around the nest, at the edge of the birds’ flushing distance. Although signs were effective in most areas, visitor traffic is unpredictable in space and time, and some un-signed nests were accidentally or intentionally disturbed by visitors in back-dune areas. In 2013, due to conditions associated with the Section 106 determination tiered to the overarching interagency EA & FONSI for the project, nests were not signed immediately; instead nests were left unprotected until the logistics of acquiring an archaeologist and tribal monitor could be arranged.

After initial location, the nests were re-checked daily if possible, but more often than not it was at differing intervals, such as every 2nd or 3rd day. From this monitoring it is possible to determine egg laying schedule, number of eggs per nest, incubation length, nest mortality via predation from mammals or ghost crabs, egg hatching date, chick production, nest abandonment, general incubating bird behavior and adults banding identification information. (See appendix 1 for SOP on determining nest fate.)

Based on 2011 and 2012 nest location data, some areas were signed in advance due to suitable nesting habitat and prior shorebird nesting trends in these areas. Pre-signing historical nesting areas provides courting pairs with an undisturbed area to nest. In 2013, prior to the Section 106 requirements, two areas were pre-signed in early March at Fort Pickens.

Once LETE and BLSK colonies had started establishing territories, colonies were named based on location and historic data and monitoring of the colonies began. In previous years, enclosures would have been installed once colonies started to form but due to the Section 106 constraints in 2013, this was not done until later in the season. Each species in each colony was monitored and the numbers of sitting birds (considered nests), chicks, and a total count was performed once every week (on occasion once every 2 weeks).

No closure signs could be installed in 2013 after April 1, 2013 until May 20, 2013 due to logistics and other arrangements necessary to fulfill Section 106 archaeological and tribal monitoring requirements. Once areas were cleared for these requirements, colony enclosures were fortified with poles and parachute cord at all four corners to afford increased protection of the area due to high visitor usage (photo 1). Parachute cord and poles were also used along the perimeters of the colonies in locations where human disturbance was observed, such as where visitors cut through storm blowouts through the dunes to the beaches.

Photo 1 Well established corner of a colony enclosure (GUIS staff)

Challenges

Nesting Shorebirds had many challenges to overcome this year including weather, predators and human disturbances.

Weather

The three barrier island areas (SR, FP and PK) that make up the Florida District were affected early in the season by Tropical Storm Andrea in the Gulf of Mexico on June 5-8. The areas were affected with high winds and surf and rainfall, causing flooding throughout several known plover habitat areas and established colony nest sites.

The three barrier island areas of GUIS were affected again in the middle of nesting season by heavy rains coupled with high surf events. The month of July was an exceptionally wet month for the FL area with a total rainfall of 16.05 inches. This heavy rainfall was coupled with high surf on July 4-July 6 which caused low lying areas to flood and remain wet after days upon days of rainfall.

Four plover nests were impacted with standing water which lead to nest abandonment or were lost (photo 3). Weather events also caused 6 nests to have unknown hatch success due to lack of discernible plover or predator tracks.

During TS Andrea several colonies were impacted with standing water and caused least tern nest abandonment and some re-nesting to occur in higher areas (photo 2). The heavy rainfall coupled with high surf on July 4-July 6 negatively impacted colonies with standing water in all three areas which caused least tern, black skimmer and gull-billed tern nest abandonment; soon after this event some colonies were no longer active (photo 4). These weather events are one cause for lower observed chick numbers for the 2013 season.

Definitions

Colonial Nesting Species - a species of shorebird that typically nests in groups of two or more pairs however they occasionally nest singularly. (least tern, black skimmers) Solitary Nesting Species – a species of shorebird that typically nests alone. (plovers) Colony - A group of birds, single or multispecies, nests together in the same place at the same time. Nesting Behavior – Any behavior displayed by a breeding adult during the breeding process. Courtship, copulation, scraping, incubating, broken wing, etc… Nest: For colonial nesting species, nests are defined as adults sitting on nests within an active colony. This would not include loafing birds either standing or resting/sitting. Birds on nests are distinguishable from loafing birds by their sitting behavior, ie taking care of eggs before sitting and while on the eggs. For solitary nesting species, nests are defined by observed scrapes with eggs.

Eggs – For colonial nesting species, the number of eggs is not an exact egg count from all nests, but simply the number of eggs observed in a survey. The observed eggs were used to confirm that nests were in an area. Chicks – This year’s pre-flight young. Ranges from newly hatched downy to pre-fledgling. Fledglings - This year’s young that fly.

Photo 2 Least tern colony after TS Andrea in the Fort Pickens area (Toby Stapleton)

Photo 3 Snowy plover nest in the Santa Rosa area in July, area flooded due to heavy rain (Monica Hardin)

Photo 4 Least tern colony after heavy rain in July in the Fort Pickens area (Monica Hardin)

Posting Restrictions & Human Disturbance

Archaeologists and tribal monitors became available to staff the week of May 20, 2013. From May 20- May 24, resource management personnel constructed as many nesting shorebird enclosures as possible in all 3 areas to encompass and protect the greatest numbers of colonial and solitary nesting shorebirds and those most in danger of visitor disturbances (boundaries, parking lots, popular beach spots, etc.).

Human Disturbances

In previous years, solitary nesting shorebirds were protected with signs and enclosures as soon as their nests were found and enclosures for colonial nesting shorebirds were constructed as soon as colonies began to form. Due to the Section 106 archaeolgical and tribal monitoring constriants imposed in 2013 enclosures were constructed later in the nesting season then typically occurred in prior years when protocols were different. Conseuqntly, Human intrusions and disturbances continued throughout the nesting season and were recorded in higher numbers than in previous years (photos 5-6). Human disturbances were documented at 6 solitary nest sites (one of which became abandoned) and in 4 colonies at FP, 1 solitary nest site and in 5 colonies at SR and 8 solitary nest sites and all 4 colonies at PK. Repeated weekend disturbances in one Perdido Key colony (‘J colony) is believed to be the cause of complete BLSK abandonment and very low LETE chick production; after every weekend hundreds of footprints were observed through the colony before and after an enclosure was established. The human

16 disturbances in the colonies were observed on several different occasions with the highest occurrences documented on weekends.

Colonies are highly susceptible to human disturbance. Human presence within the colonies flushing distance will cause the entire colony to take flight. This can interrupt breeding, egg incubation and leaves eggs exposed to environmental factors (sun, wind, rain) as well as predators. While sign enclosures work well in keeping most humans away from the colonies, the road presents access problems through the colonies. Humans that are noticeable to the birds, such as walkers and bicyclists will cause the colony to flush and defend the colony area. Enclosed vehicles (such as cars/trucks) are not regarded by the birds as predators and are typically ignored. Flushing distances can vary, but for least terns in this area, birds routinely flush at the 200 feet threshold. As such, a 2-300 foot buffer is usually delineated when enclosures are constructed. While the colony is flushed and adult birds defend their nesting territory, the probability of mortality s from vehicle strikes increases while the bird’s protective flight pattern crosses the road.

Photo 5 May 28, 2013 human intrusions continued even after the posting of areas (Monica Hardin)

Photo 6 June 21, 2013 At least 50 LETE flushed due to visitor chasing ‘fly-away’ beach gear through an enclosed colony (Maureen Durkin)

Predation (Graph 2)

Predation occurred at very high rates in April and early May; coyotes predated SNPL nests in all 3 areas (SR, FP and PK) and WIPL nests in SR. In early May, USDA Animal Plant & Health Inspection Service (APHIS) staff removed two coyotes (one male, one female) from SR. In mid-May one female coyote was removed from FP. Even with these removal efforts, coyote tracks and confirmed predation continued to be documented throughout the shorebird nesting season. Coyotes were the confirmed predator on 7 nests at FP, 3 nests at SR and 1 nest at PK. (photo 7) Coyote tracks were documented in colonial nest areas throughout the season in all areas. In order to reduce disturbance to nesting colonies, a colony is not entered once it’s established, therefore it is unknown how many colonial nests are impacted by predators, but S&RM staff do document when predator tracks are observed in a colony. In 2013, 5 colonies at FP, 1 colony at PK and all 10 colonies at SR were documented with coyote tracks on at least one occasion; however most of the colonies had repeated occurrences of coyote tracks. Trapping efforts were made again by USDA-APHIS after the completion of shorebird nesting season in which 1 coyote from FP and 1 coyote from SR was removed in mid-October.

Ghost crabs also posed a problem again in 2013 for SNPL nests in all three areas (SR, FP and PK). Ghost crabs were the confirmed predator on 4 nests at FP, 2 nests at SR and 2 nests at PK. (photo 8) Ghost crabs

18 are likely predators for colonial nesters as well, but because we do not enter established colonies, there are no documented cases of ghost crab predation. Another 11 plover nests were believed to have been predated as the eggs went missing (no tracks were observed) when not enough time had lapsed for them to have hatched or yolk was found in or around the nest cup.

Two nests were predated by armadillo at SR.

Photo 7 Snowy plover nest predated by a coyote at Santa Rosa (Monica Hardin)

Photo 8 Snowy plover nest predated by ghost crab in Santa Rosa (Monica Hardin)

Fort Pickens (Map 3)

SOLITARY (Table 1) The 2 main areas used for solitary nesting in previous years were not used by plovers to the historical extent again in 2013. As such, the FP Ranger Station and Old Pier enclosures were not installed early in March for nesting. Two new enclosures were installed based on 2012 nesting, one located NE of lot 22 and the other down by the FP point, between the pond and the point.

The historic A-C area would have been signed as plover nesting increased and with the arrival of least terns in April, but could not be signed due to the problems with Section 106 compliance.

The first SNPL nest at FP was found on March 11, 2013. The last nest was found on July 17, 2013.

By April 8, 2013, 12 SNPL nests had been located at the Ft. Pickens area; there were 8 active nests with eggs and/or chicks and 6 adult pairs observed that could not be associated with a nest. This indicates at least 14 breeding females in the FP area.

The first recorded WIPL nest was found at FP in 2007 in the 3 ponds area of FP. This nest was unsuccessful. In 2008 another unsuccessful WIPL nest was located in the same area. In 2009, two WIPL nests were located, again in the same area; these nests were successful. In 2010, for the fourth consecutive season, one WIPL nest was located in the FP 3 ponds area; the fate of this nest was unknown. In 2011, 2012 and 2013 no WIPL nests were located in the FP area.

A total of 41 SNPL nests were located in the 2013 season which produced 112 SNPL eggs. The number of confirmed hatches was 13 eggs, probable hatch was 27 eggs, no hatch was 6 eggs, unknown hatch was 37 eggs and 30 eggs were predated. There were also 11 family groups observed that were not associated with a located nest; these were confirmed to be unfound nests based on the age of the chicks, location they were observed, and/or band combinations on the adults. The total number of chicks observed was 32. (Graphs 1- 2)

Twelve nests did not hatch due to predation. Four nests were predated by ghost crabs, one nest was predated by either ghost crab or an avian species, and 7 nests were predated by coyote. Predation of 30 eggs occurred. One additional nest was believed to have been predated as not enough time had lapsed for it to have hatched, but no predator tracks were observed.

In 2011 and 2012, SNPL were actively banded by SUNY graduate student, Maureen Durkin and her interns, at Fort Pickens and Perdido Key. In those two years 97 SNPL were banded in the two areas; the majority banded were nesting adults, but a few chicks were also banded. During the 2013 nesting season, band identification was used to individualize adults, confirm re-nest attempts, confirm nest hatches and confirm missed nests. Banded SNPL also provide long-term information on the population, nest location selection and can offer insight on an individual’s age. Three more SNPL (chicks) were banded in 2013 at Fort Pickens. In 2013, at FP, 34 nests were confirmed to have banded adult SNPL; 21 nests had 1 banded adult, 4 nests had both adults banded and 9 family groups were observed with banded adults not associated with a known nest. Band identifications proved that individuals nested 1-4 times throughout the season; one individual nested in two areas (Fort Pickens and Perdido Key). (Table 4)

Three SNPL chicks were documented as road kill on the Fort Pickens road this season.

COLONIAL (Graph 5, Table 5) LETE began arriving in the FP area of the park in early April, and BLSK’s were first observed at the end of April.

There were 7 main established colonies of LETE: A-C, Gate North, Lot 21 South, Lot 21 North, Lot 22 North, Lot 22 South, and Ranger/Lifesaving (Old Coast Guard) Station South. One pair of BLSK was observed nesting in Lot 21 South, but no chicks were observed. One pair of GBTE was observed nesting in A-C, but no chicks were observed. There were also some small (less than 15 LETE pairs), scattered colonies along with numerous lone nesters; these nests were not protected with signage due to personnel shortages, limited signing materials and Section 106 constraints.

Colonies were well established by the time ground disturbance was permitted; prior to posting, colonies suffered severe human intrusions, it is unknown how many LETE nests were lost as a result of enclosures not being established early in the season. Five of the main colonies were closed with signs and chute cord on May 20, 2013 by resource management staff with the oversight of an NPS archaeologist and a tribal monitor. Shorebird closure signs were posted at each corner with another sign posted every 100-150 feet along either the Pensacola Bay side or the Gulf side of the enclosure and proceeding north and south until the enclosure became road side. The outer corners and high foot traffic areas were marked with parachute cord.

The first LETE chicks were observed on May 21, just to the east of parking lot 22, not in a designated colony. A total of 26 LETE chicks and 7 fledglings were confirmed at FP in 2013. No BLSK or GBTE chicks were observed.

The speed limit on Fort Pickens Road was changed, on April 1, from 35 mph to 20 mph from parking lot 21 to the ranger station, encompassing approximately 2.5 miles of road and almost all of the nesting colonies; the A-C colony and the Gate North colony were not included in the reduced speed zone because of well-established natural protection from dunes and vegetation and location of road mortalities from previous years. The 20 mph zone was longer this year due to the amount of road kill observed in the previous year near parking lot 22. One speed hump was also installed, for the second year, about a half mile west of parking lot 21, encouraging vehicles to slow down to 15 mph. A large, brightly lit reader board was placed on either end of the reduced speed zone informing visitors of the speed reduction. One radar sign that displayed the 20mph speed zone and vehicles’ speed as they passed was also used this year at Fort Pickens. The reader boards and radar sign were put into place by law enforcement, this did not occur until weeks after the speed reduction. Once in place, this provided birds and drivers additional time to avoid strikes.

Four least tern adults and 2 chicks were found as road kill throughout the nesting season. Most of the mortality was observed just west of parking lot 21.

A-C Colony: Nesting LETE, BLSK, and SNPL have heavily used this area for nesting in the past due to the diversity of the habitat, having a large slightly flat shelled area with some vegetation and well established primary and secondary dunes to the south and north of the flat area. The colony is spread over approximately one mile of Gulf side beach from just west of the park boundary to just east of parking lot 21 (beach markers A-C). In the 2013 nesting season this area again attracted nesting shorebirds, including SNPL, LETE and GBTE, but due to repeated human intrusions and coyote track observations, the number of nesting shorebirds fluctuated and did not have high nests success rates.

In April, LETE were observed roosting and feeding in the area; LETE nests were first observed in this area on April 25. On May 10, 24 LETE were counted sitting on nests, at the same time canine and

22 numerous human tracks were documented throughout the area. The maximum number of adults observed sitting on nests was 28 on May 28 and the maximum number of chicks observed was 6 on June 7. The number of LETE observed continued to decrease throughout June and by July 10, no LETE were observed sitting on nests. On May 14, one GBTE nest was observed; it was noticed on June 5 that the GBTE were no longer in the area, no chicks were observed. Due to inactivity the signs were removed on July 17.

Tropical Storm Andrea impacted the area on June 5-8, with high surf and rain. At least 3 LETE nests that were laid below the primary dune line were lost during this event (photo 9).

Photo 9 A-C colony after TS Andrea in the Fort Pickens area (Toby Stapleton)

Numerous human intrusions were observed and documented on at least 5 different dates throughout May and June. On May 28, 86 sets of human tracks were documented throughout the established enclosure. At the end of June, truck tracks were observed leaving the road; the vehicle drove through the dunes and throughout the entire colony impacting an unknown number of LETE and SNPL nests (photo 10). Coyote tracks were also observed throughout the colony on 5 different occasions throughout May and June. On one occasion, armadillo tracks were observed in the colony.

Photo 10 Truck tracks left the road and traveled through the A-C colony in late June (Monica Hardin)

Lot 21 South Colony: Nesting LETE have used this area (north and south of the road) in large numbers in previous years. Early in the nesting season, the colony stretched from parking lot 21 to the west about ¼ of a mile; by the time the enclosure was installed on May 20, the LETE had spread out and merged with another historical nesting colony (old pier). For ease of monitoring, the two colonies became one and remained named ‘Lot 21 South’. A large slightly flat shelly/gravely area with some vegetation poses a popular nesting area for LETE. The colony also had the only observed BLSK nest and was also commonly used by foraging, brooding and 1 nesting SNPL.

In April, LETE were observed roosting and feeding in the area; LETE nests were first observed in this area on April 25. On May 10, 21 LETE were counted sitting on nests, at the same time one human track was documented throughout the area. The maximum number of adults observed sitting on nests was 79 on June 15 and the maximum number of chicks observed was 11 on June 18. The number of LETE observed continued to decrease throughout June and by July 12, no LETE were observed sitting on nests. LETE remained in the area throughout July, but were not observed nesting. On May 28, one pair of BLSK were observed; by June 11, they appeared to have a nest which they continued to incubate through June 15; it was noticed on June 18 that the BLSK were no longer in the area, no chicks were observed. Due to inactivity the signs were removed on August 1.

Tropical Storm Andrea impacted the area on June 5-8, with high surf and rain. The colony had standing water after the event, but LETE appeared to still be nesting and those that did lose nests appeared to quickly re-nest on higher areas. The heavy rain and high surf from July 4-6 greatly impacted the colony with flooding; after this event LETE nesting was no longer observed in the area.

Numerous human intrusions were observed and documented on at least 5 different dates throughout May and June. On May 20, 47 sets of human tracks were documented throughout the established enclosure.

Due to its proximity to the road and lack of dune habitat in this area, the majority of the shorebirds found dead on the road are in close proximity to this colony.

Lot 21 North Colony: Nesting LETE have used this area (north and south of the road) in large numbers in previous years. The area, northwest of parking lot 21, is low and somewhat flat and has become more densely vegetated over the past couple years. The surrounding area was also popular for nesting SNPL. LETE were first observed in the area on April 25. On May 10, 11 LETE were observed sitting on nest. The maximum number of adults sitting on nest was 26 on May 25 and the maximum number of chicks observed was only 1 on May 30. Signs were installed along the road on May 10 and along Pensacola Bay on May 20. On one occasion coyote tracks were documented throughout the colony. After TS Andrea impacted the area in early June, the colony sustained large amounts of standing water and adults were no longer observed sitting on nests.

Lot 22 South Colony: Nesting LETE have used this area, just west of parking lot 22, in previous years; the somewhat narrow, slightly flat shelly/gravelly area has developing primary dunes interspersed throughout. The area is also popular for foraging, brooding and nesting SNPL.

LETE were first observed in the area in late April and 27 adults were observed sitting on nests on May10. A perimeter was constructed on May 20. The maximum number of adults observed sitting on nest was 32 on July 5 and the maximum number of chicks observed was 2 on June 11. The colony was consistent in numbers throughout the season but still faced intrusions from humans, coyote and weather. On four different occasions, numerous human tracks were documented throughout the colony; on one occasion a truck drove through the entire length of the enclosure (photo 11). Coyote tracks were documented one time and though the colony did not have standing water after storm events, high surf did impact nesting LETE south of the primary dune line.

In mid-July the number of nesting LETE began to diminish and by July 30 there were no remaining adults sitting on nest. The enclosure was removed on August 1.

Photo 11 Truck tracks through Lot 22 South Colony May 28 (Monica Hardin)

Lot 22 North Colony: Nesting LETE have used this area, just northwest of parking lot 22, in previous years; the somewhat wide, flat shelly/gravelly area has developing vegetation interspersed throughout. The area is also popular for foraging, brooding and nesting SNPL.

LETE were first observed in the area in late April and 13 adults were observed sitting on nests on May10. A perimeter was constructed on May 28. The maximum number of adults observed sitting on nest was 20 on June 18; no chicks were observed in the colony. The colony faced intrusions from humans, coyote, armadillo and weather. On one occasion, 37 human tracks were documented throughout the colony. Coyote tracks were documented one time and armadillo tracks were observed one time through the colony. In early July, after heavy rain, the area was very wet and retained lots of standing water, causing the birds to appear unsettled.

In mid-July the number of nesting LETE began to diminish and by July 30 there were no remaining adults sitting on nest. The enclosure was removed on August 1.

Ranger/Lifesaving Station South Colony: The first LETE nest at Fort Pickens was observed in this area on April 23. The colony was small and located just southeast of the Fort Pickens ranger station. A narrow, shelly/gravelly area devoid of vegetation is also a popular area for foraging SNPL.

On May 14, 14 LETE were observed sitting on nests; an enclosure was established on May 20; human intrusions were documented on several occasions, even after a perimeter was established. The maximum number of nests observed in the area was 38 on May 23; one chick was observed in the colony in mid- June. The colony then began to decline and by June 25, no more LETE were observed sitting on nests. The enclosure was removed on July 14, due to inactivity in the area.

Santa Rosa (Map 4) SOLITARY (Table 2) The Santa Rosa (SR) Area is utilized by nesting plovers. SR affords more habitat due to the increased width of the island in this area, thus it has been more difficult to conduct complete surveys. Surveys began in late February at the SR area.

The first SNPL nest was located on March 13, 2013; the last SNPL nest was located on July 17, 2013. The first WIPL nest was located on April 11, 2013; the last WIPL nest was located on June 14, 2013.

By April 9, 2013, 8 SNPL nests had been located at the Santa Rosa area; there were 6 active nests with eggs and/or chicks and 2 adult pairs observed that could not be associated with a nest. This indicates at least 8 breeding females in the SR area.

By April 20, 2013, 3 WIPL nests had been located at the Santa Rosa area; there were 2 active nests with eggs and/or chicks and 4 adult pairs observed that could not be associated with a nest. This indicates at least 6 breeding females in the SR area.

A total of 40 plover nests were located in the 2013 season, 33 SNPL nests and 7 WIPL nests. The 33 SNPL nests produced 89 eggs. The number of confirmed hatches was 6 eggs, probable hatches were 24 eggs, no hatch was 4 eggs, unknown hatch was 31 eggs and 24 eggs were predated. There were also 4 family groups observed that were not associated with a located nest; these were confirmed to be unfound nests based on the age of the chicks, location they were observed, and/or band combinations on the adults. The total number of chicks observed was 10. The 7 WIPL nests produced 19 eggs. The number of confirmed hatches was 3 eggs, probable hatches were 7 eggs, no hatch was 1 egg, unknown hatch was 2 eggs and 6 eggs were predated. There were also 2 family groups observed that were not associated with a located nest; these were confirmed to be unfound nests based on the age of the chicks, and location they were observed. The total number of chicks observed was 6. (Graphs 1- 2)

Seven nests did not hatch due to predation. Two nests were predated by ghost crabs, two nests were predated by armadillo, and three nests were predated by coyote. Predation of 30 eggs occurred. Five additional nests were believed to have been predated as not enough time had lapsed for them to have hatched, and/or yolk was observed in or around the nest cup, but no predator tracks were observed.

In 2011 and 2012, SNPL were actively banded by SUNY graduate student, Maureen Durkin and her interns, at Fort Pickens and Perdido Key. In those two years 97 SNPL were banded in the two areas; the majority banded were nesting adults, but a few chicks were also banded. During the 2013 nesting season, band identification was used to individualize adults, confirm re-nest attempts, confirm nest hatches and confirm missed nests. Banded SNPL also provide long-term information on the population, nest location selection and can offer insight on an individual’s age. Eight SNPL (adults and chicks) were banded in 2013 at Santa Rosa (photos 12-13). In 2013, at SR, 2 nests were confirmed to have banded adult SNPL, each had one banded adult. The banded adults were banded in other areas of the FL panhandle in previous years, providing insight on nest location selection. Band identifications proved that individuals nested 1-4 times throughout the season; one individual nested in two areas (Fort Pickens and Perdido

Key). (Table 4) An increase in banded adults nesting at SR is expected in the 2014 nesting season, as 2013 was the first year SNPL were banded in the area.

Photo 12 ‘YO-LO’ nesting adult female banded at SR 2013 (Maureen Durkin)

Photo 13 ‘LY-OO’ chick banded at SR 2013 (Maureen Durkin)

Three SNPL chicks, three SNPL adults and one WIPL adult were documented as road kill on the Santa Rosa road this season.

WIPL and SNPL are encountered on the mud flats on Big Sabine in the winter during piping plover surveys and on the mud flats north of Opal Beach that were newly formed from storm surge during the 2004 and 2005 storm seasons. A variety of different plover species use these areas for winter feeding; frequent surveys give a good indication of how many birds are wintering in the area and when the migrating birds are returning in the spring.

COLONIAL (Graph 6, Table 5) LETE’s began arriving in the SR area of the park in early April, and BLSK’s were first observed at the end of April.

There were 10 main established colonies of LETE: B colony, D colony, Lot 7 North, H colony, Opal, Santa Rosa East South, Santa Rosa East North, Lot 1 North, Navarre North and Navarre South. BLSK and GBTE were observed nesting in B colony, H colony, Santa Rosa East South and Navarre South, but no chicks were observed. There were also some small (less than 15 LETE pairs), scattered colonies along with numerous lone nesters; these nests were not protected with signage due to personnel shortages, limited signing materials and Section 106 constraints.

A total of 70 LETE chicks and 64 fledglings were confirmed at SR in 2013. No BLSK or GBTE chicks were observed.

The speed limit on 399 (Santa Rosa roadway) was changed, on April 1, from 35 mph to 20 mph from parking lot 1 to parking lot 7, encompassing approximately 3 miles of road and almost all of the nesting colonies; the Lot 7 North colony, the D colony and the B colony were not included in the reduced speed zone. Three speed humps were also installed, for the second year, encouraging vehicles to slow down to 15 mph. A large, brightly lit reader board was placed on either end of the reduced speed zone informing visitors of the speed reduction. One radar sign that displayed the 20mph speed zone and vehicles’ speed as they passed was also used near Opal Beach. The road segment was periodically patrolled by commissioned law enforcement rangers from the Park’s Visitor & Resources Protection Division. Reader boards when deployed , provide birds and drivers additional time to avoid strikes.

Forty-six least tern adults and twenty-two chicks were found as road kill throughout the nesting season.

B Colony: In late April, LETE began to settle over an open span of south-facing beach about a ½ mile east of the park boundary. On May 2, 12 LETE were observed sitting on nests. In mid-May, BLSK and GBTE began to move into the area as well. Late in May the colony had 74 LETE sitting on nests, 35 BLSK sitting on nests and 2 GBTE sitting on nests. By mid-June the numbers of LETE, BLSK and GBTE continued to vary. The maximum number of GBTE observed sitting on nests was 21 on June 12. During the rain event, July 4-6, the colony remained intact with very little inundation but following the weather, the GBTE and BLSK left the area and the number of LETE declined. By mid-July no nesting LETE, BLSK or GBTE remained. The maximum number of LETE chicks and fledges observed was 4 and 3, respectively; no BLSK or GBTE chicks were observed. Human intrusions were documented on various occasions throughout the nesting season. The colony was likely impacted by coyote as tracks were observed in the area.

D Colony: In early May, LETE began to settle in over this Gulf side colony. By May 23, 40 LETE were observed sitting on nests. The colony continued to grow, on June 18 the maximum number of chicks observed was 16 and June 25 the maximum number of adults sitting on nests was 86. The colony produced at least 32

29 fledges. By mid-July, the colony was diminishing and no more adults were observed sitting on nests on July 29.

Lot 7 North Colony: In late April, LETE began to settle in over a small shelly/gravelly area northwest of parking lot 7 (previously known as parking lot 9); the area is also popular for nesting plovers. By May 17, 19 LETE were observed sitting on nests. The colony stayed consistent in the number of LETE nests throughout May and June. On June 7, 4 chicks were observed in the colony. In early July, the colony was diminishing and had no more LETE sitting on nests after July 10.

H Colony: In late April, LETE began to settle over an open span of south-facing beach to the west of Opal Beach. On May 2, 33 LETE were observed sitting on nests. In mid-late May, BLSK and GBTE began to move into the area as well. Late in May the colony had 109 LETE sitting on nests, 5 BLSK sitting on nests and 1 GBTE sitting on a nest. The colony eventually expanded further west than in previous years and the enclosure was extended to parking lot 7. By mid-June the numbers of LETE, BLSK and GBTE were declining; human intrusions, and predator tracks (coyote and armadillo) were noted and several LETE were being found dead on the road. On June 5, no more GBTE were observed in the area and on June 20 no more BLSK were observed in the area. On July 10, 16 LETE were observed sitting on nests. By July 27, no more LETE were observed sitting on nests. The maximum number of chicks observed in the colony was 15 on June 20; the colony was confirmed to have produced at least 6 fledges.

Opal Colony: In early June, LETE were observed sitting on nests in the medians between the Opal Beach parking lots and the road, to the north and south. The area was very small and greatly impacted by human disturbance from people walking, biking and driving in such close proximity to the nesting LETE. On June 25, 28 LETE were observed sitting on nests and 5 chicks were observed. The colony diminished throughout July; on July 27, 2 adults were observed sitting on nests, 2 chicks and 3 fledges were also observed. The colony was driven through and walked through on numerous occasions; a family with a dog off leash was also observed in the area prior to being signed (photo 14). Once the colony was signed, human intrusions continued. By the beginning of August, no more LETE were observed sitting on nests.

Photo 14 Opal Colony visitors with dog off leash and truck tracks through the area (Maureen Durkin)

SR East South Colony: In late April, LETE began to settle over a large open span of south-facing beach with developing primary and secondary dunes to the north and south, east of Opal Beach. On May 2, 13 LETE were observed sitting on nests. In mid-May, BLSK and GBTE began to move into the area as well. Late in May the colony had 34 LETE sitting on nests, 49 BLSK sitting on nests and 4 GBTE sitting on a nest. On May 29, the GBTE were no longer observed sitting on nests and the number of BLSK dropped to 7 adults sitting on nests. On June 5, 97 LETE were observed sitting on nests, which stayed consistent throughout the remainder of June. The colony began to slowly diminish throughout July and had no more sitting LETE as of July 29. The maximum number of chicks observed was 12 and at least 7 fledges were produced. The colony had several cases of human disturbance, one documented with a dog off leash, and predator tracks documented throughout the nesting season.

SR East North Colony: In late April, LETE began to settle in over a large shelly/gravelly area north of the road and east of Opal Beach; the area is also popular for nesting plovers. The area is very wide and has lots of vegetation and building dunes, making counting with minimal disturbance complicated. By May 7, 7 LETE were observed sitting on nests; the number of LETE observed sitting on nests continued to decrease throughout May and June. On June 20, no LETE were observed sitting on nests; no chicks were observed in this colony. The colony did not have documented human disturbance, except for bicyclist and walker/joggers on the roadway; coyote tracks and armadillo tracks were also documented on numerous occasions.

Lot 1 North Colony: In late April, LETE began to settle in over a large shelly/gravelly area north of parking lot 1; the area is also popular for nesting plovers. The area is very wide and has lots of vegetation and building dunes, making counting with minimal disturbance complicated. On April 27, 5 LETE were observed sitting on nests; the number of LETE observed sitting on nests continued to increase throughout May and on June 5, 53 LETE were observed sitting on nests. The colony remained active throughout June and July. The colony produced at least 7 fledges. By July 29, adult LETE were no longer observed sitting on nests.

Navarre South Colony: In late May, LETE and BLSK began to settle over a small, narrow span of south-facing beach with sparse vegetation, to the west of the park boundary. On June 1, a visitor drove off the road through the nesting BLSK and LETE (photo 15); it is unknown how many nests were run over and how many nests were lost due to the adults being flushed for such a long amount of time. The LETE appeared to continue to nest or re-nested and on June 14, 42 LETE were observed sitting on nests; at the same time, 7 BLSK were observed sitting on nests and 18 BLSK adults were observed in the area. The BLSK continuously appeared unsettled and moved around throughout the colony; on July 17 no more BLSK were observed attempting to nest in the area. By July 22, LETE were no longer observed nesting. The colony produced at least 4 LETE fledges and no BLSK chicks or fledges.

Photo 15 Vehicle on beach in nesting black skimmer and least tern area (Maureen Durkin)

Navarre North Colony: In late April, LETE began to settle in over a large shelly/gravelly area north of the road just west of the park boundary; the area encompasses lots of vegetation and dunes, making counting difficult and producing observations that were most likely lower than what was actually present. This area is also popular for nesting plovers. On May 2, 44 LETE were observed sitting on nests; the number of LETE observed sitting on nests varied throughout May, June and July; the cause of these variations is unknown. The colony remained active throughout June and July. The colony produced at least 1 fledge. By July 24, adult LETE were no longer observed sitting on nests.

Perdido Key (Map 5)

SOLITARY (Table 3) Nesting habitat created along the 2 mile road area, north of the road, was used by SNPL again this spring. A total of 13 nests were located along the north side of the road east of the Johnson Beach parking lot. East of the road to the point at Pensacola Pass was also a major nesting area for SNPL in the 2013 season with 27 nests being scattered mid-beach, in and amongst primary and secondary dunes between the Bay and the Gulf.

The first SNPL nest at PK was found on March 14, 2013. The last nest was found on July 23, 2013.

By April 12, 2013, 10 SNPL nests had been located at the Perdido Key area; there were 8 active nests with eggs and/or chicks and 3 adult pairs observed that could not be associated with a nest. This indicates at least 11 breeding females in the PK area.

A total of 40 SNPL nests were located in the 2013 season which produced 90 SNPL eggs. The number of confirmed hatches was 10 eggs, probable hatch was 31 eggs, no hatch was 2 eggs, unknown hatch was 47 eggs and 7 eggs were predated. There were also 3 family groups observed that were not associated with a located nest; these were confirmed to be unfound nests based on the age of the chicks, location they were observed, and/or band combinations on the adults. The total number of chicks observed was 14. (Graphs 1- 2)

Three nests did not hatch due to predation. Two nests were predated by ghost crabs, and one nest was predated by coyote. Predation of 7 eggs occurred. Seven additional nests were believed to have been predated as not enough time had lapsed for it to have hatched, but no predator tracks were observed.

In 2011 and 2012, SNPL were actively banded by SUNY graduate student, Maureen Durkin and her interns, at Fort Pickens and Perdido Key. In those two years 97 SNPL were banded in the two areas; the majority banded were nesting adults, but a few chicks were also banded. During the 2013 nesting season, band identification was used to individualize adults, confirm re-nest attempts, confirm nest hatches and confirm missed nests. Banded SNPL also provide long-term information on the population, nest location selection and can offer insight on an individual’s age. In 2013, at PK, 29 nests were confirmed to have banded adult SNPL; 23 nests had 1 banded adult, 3 nests had both adults banded and 3 family groups were observed with banded adults not associated with a known nest. Band identifications proved that individuals nested 1-4 times throughout the season; one individual nested in two areas (Fort Pickens and Perdido Key). (Table 4)

COLONIAL (Graph 7, Table 5) Perdido Key was heavily impacted by Hurricane Ivan in 2004. Storm surge associated with Ivan created large amounts of nesting habitat for LETE. The storms of 2005 maintained these open areas for the

LETE. Four colonies were established in 2013, three north of the road and one about 2.5 miles east of the end of the road. Black Skimmers also attempted to nest at PK in one colony. The colonies along the road suffer daily from human disturbance due to the road being a popular route for walkers/runners with dogs and beach goers and fishermen cutting through the area to get to the water. Several LETE were also observed throughout the summer nesting in small groups and as individuals, these nests were not protected with signage due to personnel shortages, limited signing materials and Section 106 constraints.

LETE’s began arriving in the PK area of the park in early April, and BLSK’s were first observed at the end of April.

A total of 41 LETE chicks and 59 fledglings were confirmed at PK in 2013. No BLSK chicks were observed.

A-D Colony: LETE spread out over approximately a ½ mile section north of the road. The area is partially protected along the road by small dunes and vegetation and is protected sparsely along the north boundary by marsh grass up to the bay. In late April, LETE began to settle; on April 26, 3 LETE were observed sitting on nests with 20 other adults in the area; the colony continued to grow and by May 30, 55 adults were observed sitting on nests. Even though the colony continuously suffered from multiple human intrusions and canine disturbances, the colony persisted into July and had high chick production and fledge rates with at least 19 confirmed fledglings. By mid-late July, nesting began to cease and the area was mainly used for fledging chicks; the enclosure was removed in early August.

Boardwalk J Colony: LETE spread out over a small section north of the road. The area is partially protected along the road by small dunes and vegetation and is protected sparsely along the north boundary by marsh grass up to the bay. In late April, LETE began to settle; on May 22, 48 LETE were observed sitting on nests with 74 other adults in the area. On May 25, two men with an off-leash dog were caught camping within the perimeters of the enclosure, causing major disturbance to the LETE. After this incident, the colony continuously diminished; on June 6, only 17 adults were observed sitting on nests and 6 chicks were observed. By July 23, there were no more adults sitting on nests and the area was primarily being used to fledge chicks. Even though the colony continuously suffered from multiple human intrusions and canine disturbances, the colony had high chick production and fledge rates with at least 18 confirmed fledglings. The enclosure was removed in early August.

Cul-de-Sac Colony: LETE spread out over a small section north of the cul-de-sac; this area was also popular for nesting SNPL. The area has little natural protection and is a very popular spot for fishermen, campers and beach- goers to access the beach; it is also used as the main turnaround location for vehicles and walkers/runners. In late April, LETE began to settle; on May 24, at least 100 LETE were observed sitting on nests. By late June, the number of nesting adults was diminished but 25 chicks/fledges were observed on June 18. By July 18, there were no more adults sitting on nests and the area was primarily being used to fledge chicks. Even though the colony continuously suffered from multiple human intrusions and canine disturbances, the colony had decent chick production and fledging rates with at least 6 confirmed fledglings. LETE fledglings were observed in high numbers feeding south of this area throughout the end of the nesting season. The enclosure was removed in early August.

J Colony: LETE and BLSK spread out over an open section of beach between the Big Lagoon and the Gulf approximately 2 miles west of the Pensacola Pass. The area has little natural protection and is a very popular spot for boaters to beach and walk across the island to the Gulf. Due to 106 compliance issues, this area went unsigned and the amount of human disturbance was detrimental. Human tracks were recorded in the hundreds every weekend in April and May until the area was signed; even after an enclosure was established, human intrusions continued throughout the nesting season. On May 18, 50 LETE, 25 sitting on nests, and 35 BLSK, 2 sitting on nests, were observed. Due to unremitting disturbance the BLSK continuously moved around in the area and no chicks were produced. In late June, armadillo, coyote and human tracks were documented in the area and no BLSK or LETE were observed sitting on nests after. By mid-July the colony was abandoned; only 3 LETE chicks were observed in the area throughout the season. The enclosure was removed in early August.

Map 3

Map 4

Map 5

Total Plover Nests 2000-2013

120

100

80 Santa Rosa 60 Perdido Key 40 Ft. Pickens

Graph 1

2013 Plover Egg Fate

55 59

# Eggs Confirmed Hatch 13 # Eggs Probable Hatch # Eggs Unknown Hatch 89 # Eggs No Hatch # Eggs Predated 139

Graph 2 (see Appendix 1)

FL GUIS Nesting Snowy Plover Females 50 FP SR PK 45 40 35 30 25 20 15 10 5 0

Graph 3

FL GUIS Nesting WIPL Females 12 FP SR PK

0 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 Graph 4

Table 1: 2013 FP Plover data Mean Total Pickens Fort 2013 Nests Plover unk11 FP41 FP40 FP39 unk10 FP38 FP37 FP36 FP35 unk9 unk8 FP34 FP33 FP32 FP31 unk7 6 unk FP30 FP29 unk5 FP28 FP27 4 unk 3 unk FP26 FP25 FP24 FP23 FP22 FP21 2 unk unk1 FP20 FP19 FP18 FP17 FP16 FP15 FP14 FP13 FP12 FP11 FP10 FP9 FP8 FP7 FP6 FP5 FP4 FP3 FP2 FP1 Nest ID 52 SNPL SNPL SNPL SNPL SNPL SNPL SNPL SNPL SNPL SNPL SNPL SNPL SNPL SNPL SNPL SNPL SNPL SNPL SNPL SNPL SNPL SNPL SNPL SNPL SNPL SNPL SNPL SNPL SNPL SNPL SNPL SNPL SNPL SNPL SNPL SNPL SNPL SNPL SNPL SNPL SNPL SNPL SNPL SNPL SNPL SNPL SNPL SNPL SNPL SNPL SNPL SNPL Species Located 7/22/13 7/17/13 7/13/13 6/25/13 6/23/13 6/22/13 6/22/13 6/22/13 6/21/13 6/21/13 6/19/13 6/14/13 6/14/13 5/30/13 5/24/13 5/23/13 5/23/13 5/17/13 5/17/13 5/17/13 5/14/13 5/14/13 5/13/13 4/27/13 4/27/13 4/25/13 4/22/13 3/26/13 3/21/13 3/15/13 3/15/13 3/13/13 3/13/13 3/11/13 Date 6/8/13 6/8/13 6/8/13 6/8/13 6/6/13 6/5/13 6/5/13 6/4/13 6/2/13 5/9/13 5/9/13 5/9/13 5/8/13 4/8/13 4/8/13 4/8/13 4/8/13 4/8/13 ggsWhen W s g Eg Located 2.00 104 0 3 1 1 0 3 3 1 1 0 0 3 2 3 2 0 0 3 3 0 3 2 0 0 3 3 1 3 2 2 0 0 1 3 3 3 2 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 2 3 3 3 3 Total # Total Eggs 2.46 128 2 3 2 1 1 3 3 3 1 1 2 3 3 3 2 1 1 3 3 1 3 2 2 3 3 3 2 3 2 2 1 1 3 3 3 3 2 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 unk unk 7/1-7/2 unk unk unk NA unk unk 7/1-7/2 NA NA unk unk 6/18-6/22 NA unk unk NA unk unk 5/23-5/25 NA 5/22-5/25 5/22-5/25 5/22-5/25 unk unk NA NA 5/15-5/17 NA NA NA unk unk NA unk unk 4/8-4/13 NA unk unk 4/5-4/10 08/09/13 07/19/13 06/30/13 06/12/13 04/08/13 04/15/13 4/8-4/11 Hatch Date unk Monitored LastDate 07/02/13 05/08/13 7/22/13 7/26/13 6/23/10 7/21/13 6/30/13 6/21/13 6/19/13 6/30/13 6/26/13 6/22/13 6/15/13 6/15/13 6/22/13 6/14/13 6/14/13 5/29/13 5/28/13 5/25/13 5/25/13 5/25/13 5/14/13 5/13/13 5/17/13 5/12/13 5/17/13 4/25/13 4/15/13 4/15/13 4/25/13 4/22/13 4/13/13 4/13/13 4/22/13 9/9/13 7/4/13 7/6/13 7/4/13 7/4/13 6/8/13 6/8/13 6/5/13 6/4/13 5/8/13 5/8/13 4/8/13 4/8/13 4/8/13 4/8/13 Hatched # Eggs# 29 1 2 0 2 1 1 0 0 2 0 1 2 0 0 0 1 1 1 0 0 1 0 0 2 3 2 0 0 0 0 1 1 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 2 2 Probable # Eggs# 27 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 2 0 0 1 0 0 3 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 2 0 3 2 1 0 0 0 0 3 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 2 0 0 3 0 0 3 0 0 nnwn unknow hatch 0.71 37 0 3 0 0 0 3 3 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 3 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 3 3 0 3 3 0 0 3 0 3 3 0 1 1 no hatch no 0 6 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 1 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 Predated # Eggs# 0.58 30 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 3 2 0 0 0 0 3 0 0 2 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 3 3 0 3 3 3 0 0 2 0 0 0 2 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 Observed Chicks 0.62 32 2 0 2 1 1 0 0 2 0 1 2 0 0 0 1 1 1 0 0 1 0 0 2 3 2 1 0 0 0 1 1 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 1 2 2 30.319485776 30.319954432 30.322003959 30.319780146 30.318819725 30.325967023 30.331054551 30.321974028 30.319773887 30.328347388 30.319764850 30.325594176 30.319628209 30.318354544 30.321834761 30.319254470 30.319956367 30.319824152 30.324852899 30.328445899 30.320009694 30.321460657 30.319799268 30.319000773 30.319356459 30.322158457 30.319595640 30.319926623 30.317203366 30.318927454 30.318790922 30.319767916 30.324816578 30.322805186 30.321961218 30.317599613 30.330048696 30.325386588 30.322000790 30.319546304 30.319586996 Lat Lat 87.248028559 87.246738012 87.217472859 87.248853398 87.251684315 87.294581583 87.299663641 87.220003512 87.246601818 87.296989941 87.277508016 87.196767634 87.248098892 87.251615913 87.222155037 87.243896623 87.246823305 87.238369621 87.196741987 87.297914563 87.239470388 87.217220985 87.248216390 87.252691713 87.247726616 87.221461388 87.250717411 87.238757825 87.267666966 87.277136302 87.251582352 87.248750853 87.192740579 87.205732044 87.222106091 87.253073268 87.300913898 87.184342685 87.218635742 87.240166151 87.249849508 Long

Table 2: 2013 SR Plover data

Mean Total Rosa Santa 2013 Nests Plover SR40 SR39 6 unk SR38 SR37 5 unk SR36 SR35 SR34 SR33 4 unk SR32 SR31 SR30 SR29 SR28 SR27 3 unk SR26 2 unk 1 unk SR25 SR24 SR23 SR22 SR21 SR20 SR19 SR18 SR17 SR16 SR15 SR14 SR13 SR12 SR11 SR10 SR9 SR8 SR7 SR6 SR5 SR4 SR3 SR2 SR1 Nest ID 46 SNPL SNPL SNPL SNPL SNPL WIPL SNPL SNPL SNPL WIPL WIPL SNPL SNPL SNPL SNPL SNPL SNPL SNPL SNPL SNPL SNPL SNPL SNPL SNPL WIPL SNPL WIPL SNPL SNPL SNPL WIPL SNPL WIPL WIPL SNPL SNPL WIPL SNPL SNPL SNPL SNPL SNPL SNPL SNPL SNPL SNPL Species Located 7/17/13 7/12/13 6/29/13 6/28/13 6/27/13 6/25/13 6/24/13 6/23/13 6/18/13 6/14/13 6/14/13 6/11/13 6/11/13 6/11/13 5/30/13 5/29/13 5/26/13 5/26/13 5/15/13 5/14/13 4/27/13 4/27/13 4/27/13 4/24/13 4/20/13 4/20/13 4/20/13 4/15/13 4/11/13 4/11/13 3/26/13 3/26/13 3/25/13 3/25/13 3/13/13 Date 6/7/13 6/7/13 6/1/13 5/9/13 5/4/13 5/4/13 5/2/13 5/2/13 4/9/13 4/9/13 4/9/13 ggsWhen W s g Eg Located 2.07 95 3 3 0 2 1 0 3 3 3 3 0 1 3 1 1 3 1 0 3 0 0 2 1 3 1 2 3 3 2 2 3 3 3 3 2 3 1 3 2 3 3 3 3 3 3 1 Total # Total Eggs 2.50 115 3 3 1 3 3 1 3 3 3 3 2 3 3 1 1 3 3 1 3 1 1 2 2 3 1 3 3 3 2 2 3 3 3 3 2 3 3 3 2 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 unk unk unk unk unk 6/28-6/29 unk NA unk NA NA 6/20-6/21 unk 6/18-6/20 unk unk unk unk NA NA 5/28-5/30 5/12-5/13 unk unk unk unk 5/18-5/21 unk 4/20-4/23 NA NA NA 4/15-4/20 unk 4/15-4/19 NA 4/11-4/23 NA unk 07/21/13 07/25/13 07/25/13 07/10/13 06/30/13 05/25/13 04/12/13 Hatch Date Monitored LastDate 7/24/13 6/29/13 7/29/13 7/26/13 6/25/13 7/12/13 6/29/13 6/28/13 6/14/13 6/21/13 6/20/13 6/15/13 6/11/13 6/23/13 5/30/13 6/20/13 5/26/13 5/26/13 5/18/13 5/21/13 5/18/13 5/30/13 5/28/13 5/21/13 4/24/13 4/24/13 4/24/13 4/24/13 4/24/13 4/20/13 4/20/13 4/19/13 4/23/13 4/20/13 4/13/13 8/5/13 7/1/13 7/2/13 6/1/13 6/5/13 5/8/13 5/4/13 5/4/13 5/1/13 4/9/13 4/9/13 Hatched # Eggs# 0.35 16 0 1 1 1 0 1 3 0 0 0 2 0 0 0 0 0 1 1 0 1 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 3 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 Probable # Eggs# 0.67 31 0 2 0 0 3 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 1 1 0 2 0 0 0 0 0 0 2 3 0 0 0 0 0 3 0 2 0 0 0 2 0 3 0 3 0 0 3 nnwn unknow hatch 0.98 45 3 0 0 2 0 0 0 3 3 2 0 0 3 0 1 2 1 0 1 0 0 2 2 0 0 1 0 3 2 2 0 3 0 3 0 0 0 0 0 3 0 0 0 0 3 0 no hatch no 0.11 5 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 3 0 0 Predated # Eggs# 0.39 18 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 3 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 3 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 3 3 2 0 0 0 3 0 0 0 0 Observed Chicks 0.35 16 0 1 1 1 0 1 3 0 0 0 2 0 0 0 0 0 1 1 0 1 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 3 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 30.355290000 30.354644538 30.367870958 30.366998907 30.365052969 30.357876914 30.358528213 30.368744808 30.367538205 30.368383009 30.355383303 30.355743096 30.355094101 30.365783407 30.366518551 30.368288869 30.354538097 30.365763960 30.353756339 30.354351218 30.366493284 30.367985882 30.365822003 30.368190701 30.368552168 30.352234149 30.354757711 30.360967089 30.363242294 30.355393220 30.354798531 30.356337836 30.361782108 30.370826501 30.366835526 30.359012808 30.354061169 30.366273946 30.365032853 30.360261837 Lat Lat 87.018590000 87.026372457 86.950602557 86.954565292 86.966691262 87.008241041 86.999242816 86.949885661 86.946852690 86.948647849 87.026434621 87.016241974 87.023522923 86.961719046 86.960387629 86.949686601 87.029884705 86.963751760 87.029430788 87.025881443 86.965515769 86.947964093 86.960430966 86.949150001 86.947493739 87.033160757 87.027102846 86.992132752 86.974485600 87.025841939 87.029800804 87.010639883 86.978304421 86.930985821 86.948089030 86.995339886 87.027565110 86.953453950 86.960255833 86.985417492 Long

Table 3: 2013 PK Plover data

Mean Total Key Perdido 2013 Nests Plover PK40 3 unk PK39 2 unk PK38 1 unk PK37 PK36 PK35 PK34 PK33 PK32 PK31 PK30 PK29 PK28 PK27 PK26 PK25 PK24 PK23 PK22 PK21 PK20 PK19 PK18 PK17 PK16 PK15 PK14 PK13 PK12 PK11 PK10 PK9 PK8 PK7 PK6 PK5 PK4 PK3 PK2 PK1 Nest ID 43 SNPL SNPL SNPL SNPL SNPL SNPL SNPL SNPL SNPL SNPL SNPL SNPL SNPL SNPL SNPL SNPL SNPL SNPL SNPL SNPL SNPL SNPL SNPL SNPL SNPL SNPL SNPL SNPL SNPL SNPL SNPL SNPL SNPL SNPL SNPL SNPL SNPL SNPL SNPL SNPL SNPL SNPL SNPL Species Located 7/23/13 7/18/13 7/13/13 7/13/13 7/11/13 7/11/13 6/27/13 6/26/13 6/20/13 6/20/13 6/13/13 5/30/13 5/30/13 5/24/13 5/22/13 5/19/13 5/18/13 5/15/13 5/15/13 5/15/13 4/30/13 4/30/13 4/30/13 4/30/13 4/30/13 4/26/13 4/26/13 4/26/13 4/17/13 4/17/13 4/12/13 4/12/13 4/12/13 4/12/13 3/29/13 3/29/13 3/29/13 3/29/13 3/20/13 3/14/13 Date 6/1/13 6/1/13 6/1/13 ggsWhen W s g Eg Located 2.19 94 2 0 3 0 1 0 2 3 2 1 2 3 2 3 3 3 3 3 2 2 3 3 3 2 2 3 1 1 3 2 3 2 1 1 3 2 3 3 3 3 3 1 3 Total # Total Eggs 2.58 94 2 1 3 2 1 1 2 3 2 3 2 3 2 3 3 3 3 3 2 3 3 3 3 3 2 3 3 3 3 2 3 2 3 2 3 2 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 unk unk unk unk unk unk unk unk unk NA 6/1-6/4 6/6-6/13 6/6-6/13 6/9-6/13 unk 5/22-5/24 unk unk 6/1-6/4 unk unk NA unk unk unk unk unk unk 5/4-5/11 5/4-5/11 unk unk 4/12-4/17 unk 4/17-4/23 4/23-4/26 4/17-4/23 unk unk unk 07/18/13 07/18/13 03/28/13 Hatch Date Monitored LastDate 7/18/13 7/23/13 7/13/13 7/23/13 7/11/13 7/13/13 7/23/13 6/20/13 6/13/13 6/13/13 6/13/13 6/13/13 6/27/13 5/24/13 6/13/13 6/13/13 6/13/13 6/13/13 5/15/13 5/15/13 5/11/13 5/11/13 5/15/13 4/30/13 5/15/13 5/11/13 4/30/13 5/15/13 4/17/13 4/17/13 4/23/13 4/30/13 4/23/13 4/17/13 4/12/13 4/23/13 4/12/13 8/7/13 7/7/13 7/7/13 6/4/13 6/4/13 5/4/13 Hatched # Eggs# 14 1 0 1 3 2 0 1 0 2 0 0 0 0 0 2 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 2 Probable # Eggs# 31 1 2 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 2 1 3 2 0 3 0 0 3 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 3 1 0 0 3 0 3 2 3 0 0 0 0 nnwn unknow hatch 0.51 57 0 0 0 0 1 0 2 1 2 3 2 0 0 0 0 0 3 0 2 3 0 3 3 0 2 3 3 3 3 2 0 0 3 2 0 2 0 0 0 3 3 3 0 no hatch no 0 2 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 1 Predated # Eggs# 0.16 7 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 3 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 3 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 Observed Chicks 0.33 14 0 1 3 2 0 1 0 2 0 0 0 0 0 2 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 2 30.301505362 30.312725005 30.312293053 30.304458136 30.312967333 30.318234114 30.322934304 30.303233282 30.312163647 30.322930422 30.323738374 30.315675405 30.307510290 30.307726481 30.302551866 30.312524909 30.313250720 30.317862034 30.313669178 30.313393427 30.314873562 30.313051331 30.307984044 30.306835096 30.303225111 30.318364908 30.320460644 30.301114212 30.307078980 30.322034275 30.316213237 30.315486524 30.309801963 30.303185134 30.311694796 30.314779583 30.318198513 30.324277777 30.313991082 30.308113015 Lat Lat 87.404731908 87.356251741 87.357736834 87.394423602 87.357507701 87.328681259 87.316528692 87.399372612 87.360704480 87.316531527 87.314124809 87.345676289 87.382038211 87.383358834 87.400358484 87.357497164 87.352405823 87.333109589 87.348112647 87.351764672 87.347507539 87.355386207 87.381466829 87.385655979 87.398119105 87.329133605 87.324153135 87.406405232 87.383660750 87.316166819 87.339815294 87.344003775 87.373110176 87.399005827 87.362506737 87.344933643 87.328294872 87.313282386 87.351163919 87.381363162 Long

Table 4: Banded SNPL observations

Fort Pickens Maximum Adults Sitting on Nests and Maximum Chicks 90 80 70 60 50 40 SITTING ADULT MAX 30 CHICKS MAX 20 10 0 Gate North A-C Lot 21 Lot 21 Lot 22 Lot 22 Ranger South North South North Station South Graph 5

Santa Rosa Maximum Adults Sitting on Nests and Maximum Chicks 120 100 80 60 40 MAX ADULTS SITTING 20 CHICKS MAX 0 B D Lot 7 H Opal Santa Santa Lot 1 NavarreNavarre Colony Colony North Colony Rosa Rosa North North South East East South North Graph 6

Perdido Key Maximum Adults Sitting on Nests and Maximum Chicks 120

100

60 MAX ADULTS SITTING CHICKS MAX 40

0 A-D Brdwlk J Cul-de-sac Marker J Graph 7

Table 5: Colonial Mean and Maxima of Total Adults, Chicks and Fledges Perdido Perdido Pickens Pickens Santa Rosa Fort Key Marker J Cul-de-sac J Brdwlk A-D Navarre South Navarre North Lot 1 North Santa Rosa East North Santa Rosa East South Opal H Colony Lot 7 North D Colony B Colony Ranger South Station Lot 22 North Lot 22 South Lot 21 North Lot 21 South A-C Gate North COLONY Fort Pickens LETE MEAN ADULTS 100 48 35 41 59 36 25 40 87 42 69 19 41 11 31 25 59 23 31 5 9 MAX ADULTS 125 106 122 126 177 109 154 175 68 80 97 15 47 38 74 38 68 65 26 72 74 MEAN CHICKS 2.5 1.6 5.5 10 LETE 2 6 3 5 2 2 3 0 3 3 7 1 0 1 1 2 0 MAX CHICKS 19 13 12 15 16 11 3 6 6 3 5 0 5 4 4 1 0 2 1 6 0 MEAN FLEDGES Mean and Maxima of Total Adults, Chicks and Fledges per Colony per Fledges and Chicks Adults, Total of Maxima and Mean 14 7 3 8 9 2 1 6 0 5 4 4 0 2 0 0 1 0 2 1 0 MAX FLEDGES 16 18 19 32 6 4 1 7 0 7 4 6 0 3 0 2 1 0 3 1 0 MEAN ADULTS 25 16 33 28 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 7 0 0 0 0 0 0 2 0 0 MAX ADULTS 102 38 28 15 53 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 2 0 0 MEAN CHICKS BLSK 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 MAX CHICKS 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 MEAN FLEDGES 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 MAX FLEDGES 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 MEAN ADULTS 3.5 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 4 0 3 0 0 9 0 0 0 0 0 2 0 MAX ADULTS 27 0 0 0 0 4 0 0 0 9 0 4 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 3 0 MEAN CHICKS GBTE 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 MAX CHICKS 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 MEAN FLEDGES 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 MAX FLEDGES

0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

Appendix 1: Plover Hatching Protocols (May, 2013)

These protocols are designed to support the excel spreadsheets for each nesting season. Hopefully, it will give future monitors an idea of how the fates of nests were determined. Since monitoring began in 1998, bird behavior and bird sign are relied on heavily to determine outcome of nests. Due to monitoring efforts occurring over 21 miles of barrier island, with no employees dedicated in full to just plover monitoring, it is impossible to observe first hand the fate of all the nests/eggs. For some instances, when surveys have not been conducted for days, and it rained, or the wind was high, when results are speculative at best, it is simply recorded as unknown. For probable hatches, sign around the nest is used to give some idea of what occurred to the nest. While this may be ruled a best guess on numerous occasions, we believe it to be fairly accurate. Descriptions of fate categories follow. (Nicholas, GUIS FL District Biologist, 1995-present)

# Eggs Hatched (Confirmed Hatch):  Chicks observed in nest  Chicks in close proximity (within 50-100 feet) to nest possibly with parental supervision

# Eggs Probable (Probable Hatch):  Numerous plover tracks around nest  1-2 or 3 eggs missing  No sign of predator tracks up to nest  Adult displaying behavior indicates presence of chicks close to nesting area

# Unknown:  Eggs not present  No plover tracks visable around nest area, due to weather  No adults displaying or chicks in area  Saltwater inundation or flooding from rain.

# No Hatch:  Unhatched egg(s) in nest past 30 days  1-2 eggs remain in nest for days post observed hatching  Abandoned nest/eggs – no adult observed on nest for more than 2 observations

# Predated:  Eggs not present  Predator tracks to nest cup and obvious signs eggs were predated (yolk in area, pieces of shell, etc)  Predator tracks up to nest (raccoon, opossum, armadillo, canid [fox or coyote], with obvious signs of animal taking/feeding on eggs  Ghost crab – crab burrow in close proximity to nest and/or ghost crab tracks up to and/or around nest

Acknowledgments

Special thanks are given to Maureen Durkin from SUNY for her continued dedication to nesting shorebirds at GUIS. Her road mortality study allowed RM staff to direct their attention to shorebird nesting, while still allowing for road kill data to be collected. She also assisted with location and monitoring of shorebird nests/colonies and SNPL banding work in her spare time.

Appreciation also goes to dedicated volunteers, Sally Schultz, Cortney Tyson (UF student), Courtney Culler (UF student), Laurel Manor (UWF student), Shara Reedy (UWF student) and Megan Davies (UWF student) who all volunteered their time weekly to assist with shorebird nests/colonies location and monitoring.

The overall joint effort is the reason behind such a successful season. Thank you.

MISSISSIPPI DISTRICT

Map 3: Map of the Mississippi District of GUIS.

Island South Shore Length (mi/km) Acers Shorebird Habitat Acers Petit Bois 6.4 / 10.3 966.4 369.8 Sand 2.3 / 3.4 entire 133 79.1 Horn 12.5 / 20.1 3087.9 780.8 East Ship 1.7 / 2.7 136.4 186.8 West Ship 3.2 / 5.1 575.3 188.1 Chart 1: Estimated shoreline, acreage and shorebird habitat of GUIS MS District barrier islands. Estimates based on 2008 aerial photography.

Staffing

The 2013 shorebird field staff consisted of GUIS Mississippi District Science and Resource Management Staff (S&RM), Biologist Gary Hopkins, Term Biological Science Technician Jeffrey Sloane, and Seasonal Biological Science Technicians Amy Hammesfahr, James Ryan Hess and John Gibson. Sloane served as the project field coordinator and primary boat captain. Sloane was duty stationed at the GUIS Davis Bayou Unit in Ocean Springs, MS. During the survey season, Hammesfahr and Hess were stationed at the ranger station on Horn Island, while Gibson was stationed at Davis Bayou.

Due to delays in hiring processing, staff did not enter on duty by the March 1 target date. Sloane reported on duty on April 7. Hammesfahr and Hess started on April 21. Gibson, who was hired as a 60 day emergency hire reported on June 10. All except Hopkins worked a 5/4-9 work schedule. Hammesfahr, Hess and Sloane covered nesting on all of the barrier islands. Gibson covered nesting activities on West Ship Island by riding the Ship Island Excursion vessel.

This End of Year Report was prepared by Gary Hopkins and Jeff Sloane and finalized in November 2013.

Survey Methods

Surveys were divided into two categories, colonial and solitary, based upon the nesting characteristics of the species. Historically, colonial nesting species in the District include: Black Skimmer (Rynchops niger), Least Tern (Sternula antillarum), Gull-billed Tern (Gelochelidon nilotica) , Royal Tern (Thalasseus maximus) and Sandwich Tern (Thalasseus sandvicensis). Nesting solitary species include: Willet (Tringa semipalmata ), Snowy Plover (Charadrius alexandrinus), Wilson’s Plover (Charadrius wilsonia ) and American Oystercatcher (Haematopus palliatus).

Solitary Nesting Surveys:

During the solitary species nesting season (March 1 through mid-August) twice per month walking surveys of the north and south shorelines of Petit Bois, Horn, East Ship, West Ship Islands were surveyed for the presence of solitary species. When staffing allowed, two biologists walked in tandem, walking mid beach (supratidal), low on the beach (at or below the berm), documenting all targeted solitary nesting species encountered. Observations included species, GPS location and observed behavior. Actual surveys were conducted May 8 and ended on August 30.

Colonial Nesting Surveys:

During the nesting season (mid-April – September 30), once a week surveys were made of colonial nesting colonies. To minimize disturbance to the nesting birds, observations were made using binoculars or a spotting scope from locations beyond the flushing distance, or outside the protective buffer of the colony. Observations included the number of adults by species, number of nests (sitting adults), any observed eggs, chicks, fledglings and signs of disturbance or predation. Counts of eggs, actual nests, chicks and other data are not exact counts but numbers observable from a protective buffer around the colony. Actual surveys were conducted May 8 and ended on August 30.

Closures

During surveys, when nesting was observed, red wire flags were installed creating a protective area buffer around the nesting area. The red wire flags were thirty-six inch wire with a four by five inch red flag. The flag was stenciled with “Area Closed, Shorebird Nesting”. In a follow-up visit Area Closed – Do Not Enter signs were posted, further defining the protected nesting area. The signs installed were by mounted on eight foot long two by fours.

Each weekend all colonial nesting areas that were located in high visitor use areas (tips of the islands) were visited. Signage was checked and education contacts were made with all visitors in the area. When making public contacts staff communicated the location and status of any

52 nesting species in the area including any alternative beach access points. Education flyers, explaining shorebird and osprey nesting behaviors were also available for distribution.

The routine method in for installing two by four mounted sign closures is to dig a two foot deep hole with post hole diggers. The ideal circumstances are to establish signed closures as nesting is observed. This nesting season to meet the NPS requirements for protection of subsurface cultural resources, an Archeologist from the Southeastern Archeological Center (SEAC) and a Local Tribal Representative had to be present when digging post holes. This requirement resulted in the necessity of scheduling both an Archeologist, a Tribal Monitor, field crew, vessel and boat captain. The result was that there was a longer than usual delay in posting signs around closures. To help alleviate this delay, closures were flagged immediately when nesting was observed and signs would follow as soon as possible. However, once the signs were installed and the closure delineated, adjustments could not be made with the growth or migration of the nesting area.

In previous years, pre-nesting surveys were conducted at historic nesting sites starting in April to detect breeding and nesting behavior and to establish nesting closures. Historic nesting sites included the tips of the islands, lagoon inlets, broad south beaches, and the entire shoreline of Sand Island.

Data Management

As a survey is conducted, observations are recorded on either MS Colonial Shorebird Survey sheet or MS Shorebird Survey Sheet. This data is then transposed into a corresponding Excel spreadsheet. The datasheets are scanned and archived. Field staff also keeps a daily log to document each survey detailing the area covered and the time required to complete the survey. This log is used in planning survey coverage.

During the field season, to allow easy data sharing between mainland and island staff, the Excel spreadsheets and daily logs are stored on a Google drive. The data and the scanned datasheets are then backed up on the mainland MS S&RM data servers and on the RM Workspace drive. Once complete, the entire dataset including the end of the year report is archived on the MS S&RM data achieve. The Excel spreadsheets are updated weekly and a monthly report is produced for GUIS Managers.

Weather

Tropical Storm Andrea (June 5-6) was the only named tropical weather to influence our area. However, throughout the season, all nesting species were affected by strong winds and high tides as well as frequent isolated thunderstorms. Species in the low lying areas such as the tips of the islands were the most susceptible. May 1 - 3: Heavy rain that totaled more than 4” May 10 - 11: Occasional heavy rains that totaled more than 1” May 22 - June8: Full moon high tides that flooded low lying areas in late May. Higher tides continued into the first week of June due to tropical storm Andrea in the Gulf. Occasional strong storms during this time.

June 13 + 20: Heavy rain that totaled over a 1” June 23: Full moon high tides that flooded low lying areas. July 3 - 6: Heavy rains throughout the weekend that totaled over 4” July 22: Full moon high tides that flooded low lying areas and heavy rains totaling over a 1” August 5: Heavy rains totaling over 2” August 20: Full moon high tides that flooded low lying areas

Definitions

Colonial Nesting Species - a species of shorebird that typically nests in groups of two or more pairs however they occasionally nest singularly. Solitary Nesting Species – a species of shorebird that typically nests alone. Colony - A group of birds, single or multispecies, nests together in the same place at the same time. Nesting Behavior – Any behavior displayed by a breeding adult during the breeding process. Courtship, copulation, scraping, incubating, broken wing, etc… Nest: For colonial nesting species, nests are defined as adults sitting within an active colony. For solitary nesting species, nests are defined by observed scrapes, eggs, incubation behavior, territorial display, dive bombing, broken wing display or chicks. Eggs – The number of eggs is not an exact egg count, just the number of eggs observed in a survey. The observed eggs were used to confirm that nests were in an area. Chicks – This year’s pre-flight young. Ranges from newly hatched downy to pre-fledgling. Fledglings - This year’s young that fly.

Colonial Data Summary by Island

Petit Bois Island

There were 6 colonies located on Petit Bois Island (Map 1). The largest colony was on the east tip of the island and was comprised of Black Skimmers, Common Terns and Least Terns. One small colony of Black Skimmers was observed on the west tip and 4 small colonies of Least Terns were observed on the south shore of the island.

Map 1: Location of Nesting Colonial Species on Petit Bois Island (2008 imagery).

East Tip of Petit Bois Island

On May 17 Least Terns were observed at multiple locations throughout the East Tip. Several scrapes were found and nesting behaviors were observed. An enclosure was established around the entire area since it is a popular beach for visitors. The colony was surveyed 10 times between May 17 and July 4. Black Skimmers and Common Terns were first observed in the area exhibiting nesting behavior on May 26.

The Least Tern population in this colony fluctuated most likely due to the flooding that occurred from weather events and full moon high tides. The peak number of adults observed was on May 26 with 75 adults present and 37 nests. One fledge was observed on July 4. They were last observed in the area on July 4 with 4 adults present and no nests. The colony was likely abandoned or destroyed by the flooding events in late June and early July.

Black Skimmers were observed in the colony from May 26 to June 23. The peak number observed was on May 26 with 40 adults present and 15 nests. Common Terns were also observed during this time with a peak of 4 adults and 1 nest. The colony was likely abandoned due to the high tides that flooded the area on June 22 and 23.

Disturbances: Visitor use was heavy in this area throughout the nesting season especially on weekends and holidays. Footprints were observed within the enclosure on May 17 and 26 and June 1 and 23. The low beach was flooded a few times throughout the season by storms and full moon high tides. Raccoons were also present in the area and tracks were observed within the enclosure on June 1 and July 4.

South Shore Middle of Petit Bois Island

On May 24 a colony of Least Terns were observed on the south shore of the island. The colony was surveyed 3 times from May 24 to July 30. The peak number of adults present was observed on May 24 with 40 adults. On June 30 seven adults were present with 2 nests. No enclosure was established around colony due to low visitor use in this area. Two fledges were observed on July 30.

Disturbances: Visitor use was low in this area of the south shore around the colony. Raccoon tracks were observed in the area on July 30.

West End of Petit Bois Island

On June 30 Black Skimmers were observed on the West End of Petit Bois brooding chicks. There were 2 nesting pairs with 4 adults and 3 young chicks present. An enclosure was established around the area due to high visitor use of the area. The colony was surveyed 3 times between June 30 and July 30. Two fledges were observed in the area on July 26. Forty adult black skimmers were observed in the same area on May 24. No nesting behaviors were observed at the time. It is possible more nests were present in the colony earlier in the season between our surveys.

Disturbances: Visitor use in this area was heavy throughout the nesting season especially on weekends and holidays.

South Shore of Petit Bois Island

One small colony and 2 solitary pairs of Least Terns were observed along the south shore of Petit Bois. A total of 12 adults were observed with 3 nests and 3 eggs. Area was surveyed 2 times from May 24 to July 26. No chicks or fledges were observed from the solitary nests or colony.

Disturbances: Visitor use was minimal on the south shore in the area of these nests. Raccoon tracks are often observed in the area.

Petit Bois Island Peak Totals per Colony:

Adults Colony Species Nests Eggs Chicks Fledges Observed Least Tern 75 37 0 0 1 Black 40 15 0 0 0 East Tip Skimmer Common 4 1 0 0 0 Tern South Shore Least Tern 40 2 0 0 2 Middle Black West End 4 2 0 3 2 Skimmer South Shore Least Tern 12 3 3 0 0

Sand Island

There was 1 colony on Sand Island which was located on the southeast corner of the island on the recently deposited sand from the Pascagoula Channel Maintenance Dredging (Map 2).

Map 2: Location of Nesting Colonial Species on Sand Island (2012 imagery, before channel maintenance).

The colony was comprised of Least Terns and Black Skimmers and was surveyed six times from May 18 to July 30. The colony was surveyed 6 times from May 18 to July 30 and was comprised of Least Terns and Black Skimmers.

Least Terns were first observed on May 18 scattered throughout the recently deposited sand. Several scrapes were found and nesting behaviors were observed. An enclosure was established around the entire area since it is a popular beach for visitors. The peak number of adults observed in the area was on July 30 with 130 adults present. No nesting behavior was observed on this day. The peak of nesting adults was observed on June 16 with 91 adults present and 27 nests. One egg was also observed on this day. The colony was last surveyed on July 30 and 1 fledge was observed in the area. It is unknown what caused the colony to abandon, but visitor use was high in this area throughout the season.

Black Skimmers were first observed on May 27 with 13 adults present within the enclosure. No nesting behaviors were observed. No Black Skimmers were observed during later surveys and it is unknown if any nesting attempts were made.

Disturbances: Visitor use was heavy in this area throughout the nesting season especially on weekends and holidays. Visitors were observed in the enclosure on 2 occasions on May 26. Footprints were observed in the enclosure during every survey. Raccoons are present in the area although no tracks were recorded within the enclosure.

Sand Island Peak Totals per Colony

Adults Colony Species Nests Eggs Chicks Fledges Observed Least Tern 130 27 1 2 1 Southeast Black 13 0 0 0 0 Skimmer

Horn Island

There were 7 colonies located on Horn Island. All colonies were comprised of Least Terns (Map 3 - 4). Five colonies were located on the south shore, 1 on the East Tip and 1 on the northwest shore. A solitary Least Tern nest was also observed on the south shore.

Map 3: Location of Nesting Colonial Species on the East End of Horn Island (2012 imagery).

Map 4: Location of Nesting Colonial Species on the Western Part of Horn Island (2012 imagery). East Tip of Horn Island

A small colony of Least Terns was observed on the East Tip. Colony was surveyed 5 times from May 8 to June 16. On May 8 ten adults were observed in the area and multiple scrapes were found. The peak number of adults present was on June 16 with 15 adults and 1 nest. No Least Terns were observed in the area after June 16. It is unknown why the colony was abandoned or destroyed, but likely due to high tide events that flooded the area.

Disturbances: Visitor use was heavy in this area throughout the nesting season especially on weekends and holidays. Raccoons are present in the area and tracks were observed in the area on May 8. The area was flooded by the high tide events in late May and early June.

South East Shore of Horn Island

Three colonies were located on the southeast shore. The largest was located midway between the ranger station and East Tip. Colony was surveyed 9 times from June 17 to August 3. On June 17 fifty five adults were observed in the area. Numerous scrapes were found along with 1 nest and 2 eggs. The peak number of adults present was on July 12 with 56 adults. The peak number of nests observed was 3 on June 22. One chick was observed on July 12 and 23. Least Terns were last observed in the area on

August 3 with 20 adults and no nesting behaviors observed. It is unknown why the colony was abandoned or destroyed. Flooding was observed in the area on July 12 due to heavy rains.

Another colony was located on the south shore east of the ranger station trail. Colony was surveyed 8 times from May 8 to June 22. On May 8 twenty adult Least Terns were observed in the area exhibiting nesting behavior. The peak number of adults present was on June 1 with 28 adults. A nest was observed on May 20 and June 1. Two eggs were also observed on May 20. Least Terns were last observed in the area on June 22 and no nesting behaviors were observed. It is unknown why the colony was abandoned or destroyed. Raccoon tracks were observed in and around the area of the colony on May 20 and June 17. Colony may also have been affected by storms and high tides that occurred in late May and early June.

Another small colony was located just west of the east tip. Colony was surveyed 3 times from July 12 to August 5. On July 12 ten adults were observed in the area exhibiting nesting behavior. The peak number of adults present was observed on July 12 and 19 with 10 adults. One nest was observed on July 19. No adults were observed on August 5. It is unknown why the colony was abandoned or destroyed. Footprints were observed in the area on August 5.

South West Shore of Horn Island

Two colonies were located on the southwest shore. The largest was located just east of the west tip. Colony was surveyed 7 times from May 14 to July 29. Least Terns were first observed in the area exhibiting nesting behaviors on May 14. An enclosure was established around the area since it is a popular beach for visitors. The peak number of adults present was observed on July 8 with 40 adults and 12 nests. No adults were observed in the area on July 29. It is unknown why the colony was abandoned or destroyed. On May 25 several people walked through the colony from the north to south shore. Footprints were also observed within the enclosure on June 28.

Another colony was located on the south shore just west of the ranger station trail. The colony was surveyed 9 times from June 9 to July 29. Least Terns were first observed in the area on June 9 with 6 adults exhibiting nesting behavior. Four eggs and 2 nests were also observed at this time. The peak population was observed on July 8 with 27 adults. The peak number of nests observed was on June 15 with 6 nests. It is unknown why the colony was abandoned or destroyed.

North Shore of Horn Island

A small colony of Least Terns was located on the northwest shore. Colony was survey 3 times from May 18 to June 3. On May 18, 10 adults were observed and multiple scrapes were found. A 2 egg nest was also found. On June 3 only 2 adults were observed and no nests. It is unknown why the colony was abandoned or destroyed.

Disturbances: This area is a popular spot for fishing and visitor use is high. Visitors also walk through the area to access Big Lagoon. On May 18 multiple footprints were observed in the area.

Horn Island Peak Totals per Colony:

Adults Colony Species Nests Eggs Chicks Fledges Observed East Tip Least Tern 15 1 0 0 0 Southeast Least Tern 56 3 2 1 0 Shore Southeast Least Tern 28 1 0 0 0 Shore Southeast Least Tern 10 1 0 0 0 Shore Southwest Least Tern 40 12 0 0 0 Shore Southwest Least Tern 27 6 4 0 0 Shore North Shore Least Tern 10 1 2 0 0

East Ship Island

There were 3 colonies located on East Ship Island (Map 5). The largest colony was on the east tip of the island and was comprised of Black Skimmers and Least Terns. The other 2 colonies were located on the west tip with 1 comprised of Least Terns and 1 comprised of Black Skimmers.

Map 5: Location of Nesting Colonial Species on East Ship Island (2012 imagery).

East Tip of East Ship Island

On June 30 Least Terns and Black Skimmers were observed on the east end of the island. Nesting behaviors were observed for both species and scrapes were found. An enclosure was established around the entire area since it is a popular beach for visitors. The colony was surveyed six times between June 30 and July 28.

The peak Least Tern population in this colony was observed on June 30 with 538 adults present and 254 nests. On July 13 the population had dropped to 292 adults with 68 nests. By July 20 the population had dropped to 50 adults with 0 nests. Four chicks were also observed on July 20. On July 28 three fledges were observed. The colony was likely abandoned or destroyed by flooding events caused by higher than usual tides and heavy rains.

Black Skimmers were observed in the colony on June 30 with 12 adults present and 10 nests. The peak number of adults observed was 14 on July 20. The 10 nests observed on June 30 was the peak for nests. It is unknown what caused the abandonment. All nests were located on higher ground, but still may have been affected by the flooding events.

Disturbances: Visitor use was heavy in this area throughout the nesting season especially on weekends and holidays. Footprints were observed within the enclosure on July 4 and 13. On two occasions dogs were observed around the colony without leashes. The low beach was flooded a few times throughout the season by storms and full moon high tides which disrupted nesting. Heavy rain in early and mid-July flooded the low lying areas of the colony. Some nests were likely destroyed by the higher than usual tides which occurred around July 4 and 20. The July 20 tides overwashed most of the colony.

West Tip of East Ship Island

Seventeen adult Black Skimmers were observed on the extreme west tip of the island on May 19. Nesting behaviors were observed. No adults were observed on the next visit to the island. It is unknown why they abandoned, but this area is low lying and a popular area for visitors.

Least Terns were observed on the south shore of the West tip July 7. Sixty-two adults were observed with 39 nests. On July 13 the population was reduced to 15 adults and 8 nests. No adults or nests were observed on July 20. The colony was likely abandoned or destroyed by high tides.

Disturbances: Visitor use was heavy in this area throughout the nesting season especially on weekends and holidays. Parts of the West Tip were flooded a few times throughout the season by storms and full moon high tides which may have disrupted nesting. Heavy rain in early and mid-July flooded the low lying areas of the West Tip. Higher than usual tides occurred on July 4 and 20. The July 20 tides likely overwashed most of the area.

East Ship Island Peak Totals per Colony:

Adults Colony Species Nests Eggs Chicks Fledges Observed Black East Tip 14 10 0 0 0 Skimmer Least Tern 538 254 0 4 3 Black West Tip 17 0 0 0 0 Skimmer South Shore Least Tern 62 39 0 0 0 West Tip

West Ship Island

There were 4 colonies located on West Ship Island (Map 6). Two colonies were located on the East Tip of the island and were comprised of Least Terns, Black Skimmers, Gull-Billed Terns and Common Terns. One of these colonies also had a nesting Sooty Tern. One colony was located on the west tip and was comprised of Least Terns, Black Skimmers, Common Terns and Gull-billed Terns. The other colony was located on the northwest shore west of Fort Massachusetts and comprised of Least Terns, Black Skimmers and Gull-billed Terns.

Map 6: Location of Nesting Colonial Species on West Ship Island (2012 imagery).

East Tip of West Ship Island

Two colonies were located on the east tip with one located around the small dunes on the eastern end. The colony was comprised of Black Skimmers, Gull-billed Terns, Least Terns and Common Terns. This colony was surveyed 10 times from May 19 to August 11.

Black Skimmers were first observed on May 19 exhibiting nesting behavior. An enclosure was established around the area since this is a popular beach for visitors. The peak number of adults observed

66 was 120 with 54 nests on May 27. The peak number of chicks observed was 12 on July 13. The peak number of fledges observed was 12 on July 28. The number of fledges observed from this colony was likely lower because fledges may have migrated to other areas of the island before the last surveys were conducted.

Common Terns were first observed exhibiting nesting behavior on June 11. The peak population of adults was 61 observed on July 13. The peak number of nests observed in the colony was 31 on June 11. On July 20 the peak number of 40 chicks was observed and the peak number of 25 fledges was observed on July 28.

Gull-billed Terns were first observed exhibiting nesting behavior on May 19. The peak population of adults was observed on May 19 with 13. The peak number of nests was also observed on this day with 6. Two chicks were observed on July 13. It is unknown what happen to the chicks, but it is possible they moved west and joined the other colony.

Least Terns were observed exhibiting nesting behavior on June 11. The peak number of adults observed was 80 on June 11. The peak number of nests was also observed on this day with 18 nests. All nests were located west of the small dunes at the far eastern tip on the low lying area. Most nests were likely destroyed by flooding events.

Disturbances: Visitor use was heavy in this area throughout the nesting season especially on weekends and holidays. Evidence of visitors within the enclosure was observed on May 19, July 13 and 28, August 4 and 11. On July 13 at least 10 visitors were contacted for entering the enclosure. The low lying areas of the colony were affected by the flooding events that occurred throughout the season.

East Tip of the West End of West Ship Island

The second colony on the east tip was located on the west end of the tip at the start of the dunes. This colony was comprised of Black Skimmers, Gull-billed Terns, Common Terns, Least Terns and Sooty Terns. This colony was surveyed 11 times from May 27 to August 30.

Least terns were first observed in the area exhibiting nesting behavior on May 21. An enclosure was established around the area since this is a popular beach for visitors. The peak population was observed on June 30 with 12 adults and 5 nests. All nests were located in the northwest corner of the colony on the recently nourished beach. By July 13 only 3 adults were observed in the area with no nests. It is unknown what caused them to abandon.

Black Skimmers were first observed in the area on May 27. The peak adult population was observed on August 10 with 263 adults. The peak number of nests was observed on June 30 with 153 nests. On July 28 the peak number of chicks was observed with 38. The peak number of fledges observed was 93 on August 10.

Common Terns were first observed in the colony on June 30. The peak number of nesting adults was observed on July 28 with 10 adults with 5 nests. Three chicks and 4 fledges were also observed on this day. The peak number of fledges were observed on August 10 with 10 fledges. It is unknown if all fledges came from this colony. On August 4, 83 adults were observed in the area which came in from other colonies.

Gull-billed Terns were first observed in the colony on June 11. The peak number of adults was observed on July 13 with 48 adults and 21 nests. The peak number of chicks observed was on July 28 with 15. The peak number of fledges observed was 12 on August 4.

On July 28 one Sooty Tern was observed in the colony with 1 chick. Both were only observed on one other survey. It is unknown if the chick had fledged.

Disturbances: Visitor use was heavy in this area throughout the nesting season especially on weekends and holidays. Visitors were observed inside the enclosure on June 11, 17 and August 10. On all 3 occasions the visitors were walking from north shore to the south shore. On August 11 the visitor was also dragging 2 sharks along the beach through the center of the colony.

Northwest Shore of West Ship Island

On May 27 Least Terns were observed in the dunes behind the sand fence exhibiting nesting behavior on the north shore west of the fort. On June 11 Black Skimmers were observed in the colony. The colony had also expanded beyond the sand fence with the majority of adults in the supertidal area just above the berm. An enclosure was established since this is a popular beach for visitors. Gull-billed Terns were first observed in the colony on June 30. The colony was surveyed 6 times from May 27 to August 10.

The Least Tern population peaked on June 30 with 388 adults observed with 151 nests. All nests were located in the supratidal area between the sand fence and berm. By July 20 all Least Terns had abandoned the area. No chicks or fledges were observed. The likely cause of abandonment was due to high visitor use in the area and the close proximity to this.

The nesting Black Skimmer population peaked on July 27 with 35 adults present. The peak nest count was on June 30 with 15 nests. One chick was observed on July 27. All nesting Black Skimmers were located in the dunes and vegetation behind sand fence. On August 11, 151 adults and 64 fledges were observed on the berm and in the intertidal zone just outside the enclosure. It is unknown if any of the fledges were from this colony. It is likely that all these Black Skimmers came from other colonies.

One adult Gull-billed Tern and 1 nest were observed in the colony on June 30. The peak number of adults present in the colony was observed on July 27 with 11 adults. One chick was also observed on this day. It is unknown if the chick fledged.

Disturbances: Visitor use was heavy in this area throughout the nesting season especially on weekends and holidays. The northern edge of the enclosure did not allow for a sufficient buffer between nests and visitors. Least Tern nests were on the berm a few feet away from the high tide line. It was not possible to establish a significant buffer without extending the enclosure into the water. During all surveys visitors were sitting or walking within feet of nests.

West Tip of West Ship Island

On May 19 Black Skimmers were observed on the tip within the small dunes and vegetated area exhibiting nesting behavior. The area was enclosed due to high visitor use in this area. Gull-billed and Common Terns were first observed in the area on June 30. The colony was surveyed 9 times from May 19 to August 12.

The peak number of Black Skimmer adults was observed on June 11 with 128 adults. The peak number of nests observed was on June 30 with 38 nests. It is likely that the June 30 numbers were the second nesting attempt since most of the colony was destroyed by high tides in late June and early July. The peak number of chicks observed was 7 on July 13. The peak number of fledges observed was 20 on August 12.

Common Terns were first observed on July 30. The peak population was observed on August 4 with 6 adults, 3 nests and 3 chicks. Three fledges were observed on August 11.

Gull-billed Terns were first observed on June 30. The peak population was observed on July 13 with 7 adults and 5 nests. Three chicks were observed on July 27.

Disturbances: Visitor use was heavy in this area throughout the nesting season especially on weekends and holidays. On May 27 footprints were observed in the enclosure from somebody walking from north to south through the colony. Also on May 27 a visitor had gone into the enclosure and drug out large pieces of driftwood from the middle of the colony. The colony was partially flooded by the full moon tides in late May and the high tides in early June.

West Ship Island Peak Totals per Colony:

Adults Colony Species Nests Eggs Chicks Fledges Observed Black 120 54 0 12 12 Skimmer Common 61 31 0 40 25 East Tip Tern Gull-billed 13 6 0 2 0 Tern Least Tern 80 18 0 0 0 Black 263 153 0 38 93 Skimmer Common 10 5 0 3 10 East Tip – Tern West End Gull-billed 48 21 0 15 12 Tern Least Tern 12 5 0 0 0 Sooty Tern 1 1 0 1 0 Black 35 15 0 1 64* Skimmer Northwest Gull-billed Shore 11 1 0 1 0 Tern Least Tern 388 151 0 0 0 Black 128 38 0 7 20 Skimmer Common West Tip 6 3 0 3 3 Tern Gull-billed 7 5 0 3 0 Tern

Solitary Data Summary by Island

Petit Bois Island

Map 7: Locations of Observed Solitary Shorebirds on Petit Bois Island (2008 imagery).

North Shore of Petit Bois Island

Two surveys were conducted on the north shore on June 4 and 16. Snowy Plovers, American Oystercatcher, Willets and Wilson’s Plovers were all observed.

Snowy Plovers were observed during both surveys. The peak number observed was 3 on the June 4 survey. No nesting behaviors were observed on either day.

American Oystercatcher were observed on the June 4 survey. Two adults were observed with no nesting behavior.

Wilson’s Plovers were observed during both surveys. The peak number was observed on the June 4 survey with 4 adults. It is possibly that 2 of the adults were a nesting pair due to vocalizing and flying around when surveyor was in the area. No nests or chicks were observed.

Willets were observed during both surveys. The peak observed was on the June 4 survey with 8 adults. Four of the adults were likely part of 2 nesting pairs due to vocalizing and dive bombing when the surveyor was in the area. It is likely they had a nest or chicks, but none were observed.

North Petit Bois Island, Peak Totals of Solitary Species Observed:

Species Adults Pairs Nests Eggs Chicks Fledges Snowy Plover 3 0 0 0 0 0 American 2 0 0 0 0 0 Oystercatcher Willet 8 2 2 0 0 0 Wilson’s Plover 4 1 1 0 0 0

South Shore of Petit Bois Island

Four surveys were conducted on the south shore from May 24 to July 30. Snowy Plovers, American Oystercatcher, Willets and Wilson’s Plovers were all observed.

American Oystercatchers were observed on all 4 surveys. The peak number of adults observed was on May 24 with 10. Two of the 10 observed were solitary adults and the other 8 were in 4 pairs. Scrapes were found around 1 pair. No other nesting behaviors were observed on other surveys.

Snowy Plovers were observed on 3 of the surveys. The peak number of adults observed was on May 24 with 8. None of the 8 could be associated with a pair. Scrapes were found in one location and 2 adults were peeping occasionally, but no nests or chicks were observed. No other nesting behaviors were observed during all surveys.

Willets were observed on 3 of the surveys. The peak number of adults observed was on June 30 with 4. No nesting behaviors were observed on all surveys.

Wilson’s Plovers were observed on 2 of the surveys. The peak number of adults observed was on June 16 with 2. These 2 adults were observed together, but no nesting behaviors were observed.

South Petit Bois Island, Peak Totals of Solitary Species Observed:

Species Adults Pairs Nests Eggs Chicks Fledges Snowy Plover 8 0 0 0 0 0 American 10 4 0 0 0 0 Oystercatcher Willet 4 0 0 0 0 0 Wilson’s Plover 2 1 0 0 0 0

East Tip of Petit Bois Island

Four surveys were conducted on the east tip from May 17 to July 4. Snowy Plovers, American Oystercatcher, Willets and Wilson’s Plovers were all observed.

Snowy Plovers were observed on 2 surveys. The peak number of adults observed was on May 17 with 3. One of these adults was observed in an incubating posture between the small dunes at the tip. An adult was observed incubating that nest on 3 occasions from May 17 to May 26. One adult was observed in the same area on June 16, but no chicks or nesting behaviors were observed.

American Oystercatchers were observed on 3 surveys. The peak number of adults observed was 2 and both were associated with a nesting pair. Scrapes were found around the small dunes at the tip on May 17. Adults were observed in the area on all surveys and observed incubated one occasion. On June 16, 1 adult was observed brooding a small chick. On July 4, 2 larger, older chicks were observed in the area. It is unknown if the chicks fledged.

A willet pair was observed on July 4 on the southwest corner of the tip by the dunes. It is unknown if they had a nest or chicks, but they were aggressively vocalizing.

One Wilson’s Plover was observed on May 18. It was not exhibiting any nesting behavior.

East Tip of Petit Bois Island, Peak Totals of Solitary Species Observed:

Species Adults Pairs Nests Eggs Chicks Fledges Snowy Plover 3 1 1 0 0 0 American 2 1 1 0 2 0 Oystercatcher Willet 2 1 0 0 0 0 Wilson’s Plover 1 0 0 0 0 0

Sand Island

Map 8: Locations of Observed Solitary Shorebirds on Sand Island (2012 imagery before channel maintenance).

Sand Island was surveyed for solitary shorebirds 4 times throughout the season from May 18 to July 4. Snowy Plovers, American Oystercatchers, Willets and Wilson’s Plovers were all observed on the island.

Snowy Plovers were observed on every survey with the peak number of adults observed on May 27 with 5. No nesting behaviors were observed on this day. On June 16, 4 adults were observed. Two of those 5 were paired up exhibited nesting behavior. No chicks or fledges were observed on any survey.

American Oystercatchers were observed on all surveys with the peak number of adults observed on July 4 with 9. No nesting behaviors were observed on this day. On May 27, 5 adults were observed. Two of those five were paired up and exhibited nesting behavior.

Willets were observed on 2 surveys. The peak number of adults observed was on July 4 with 2. No nesting behaviors were observed.

Wilson’s Plovers were observed on 2 surveys with the peak number of adults observed on July 4 with 4. On June 16 a pair was observed exhibiting nesting behavior. On June 23, 2 chicks were observed with this pair. It is not known whether these chicks fledged successfully.

Sand Island, Peak Totals of Solitary Species Observed:

Species Adults Pairs Nests Eggs Chicks Fledges Snowy Plover 5 1 1 0 0 0 American 9 1 1 0 0 0 Oystercatcher Willet 2 0 0 0 0 0 Wilson’s Plover 4 1 1 0 2 0

Horn Island

Map 9: Locations of Observed Solitary Shorebirds on Eastern Horn Island (2012 imagery).

Southeast Horn Island

Eighteen surveys were conducted on the southeast shore from May 8 to August 26. Snowy Plovers, American Oystercatcher, Willets and Wilson’s Plovers were all observed.

American Oystercatchers were observed on every survey. The peak number of adults observed was on June 17 with 18 observed. On May 20, the peak number of pairs and nests were observed. Four pairs were observed of which 3 had confirmed nests and 1 had scrapes nearby. Eggs were confirmed in 2 nests and the third was confirmed by an incubating adult. The outcome of all nests is unknown.

Snowy Plovers were observed on 16 of the surveys. The peak observation was on August 19 with 21 adults observed. The peak number of pairs observed was on June 29 with 4 pairs. All were exhibiting nesting behavior. Three chicks were also observed with 2 of these pairs.

Willets were observed on 16 of the surveys with the peak number of 23 adults observed on July 12. No nesting behaviors were observed.

Wilson’s Plovers were observed on 2 of the surveys. One was observed each day with no nesting behaviors.

Southeast Horn Island, Peak Totals of Solitary Species Observed:

Species Adults Pairs Nests Eggs Chicks Fledges Snowy Plover 21 4 4 0 3 0 American 18 4 3 3 2 0 Oystercatcher Willet 23 0 0 0 0 0 Wilson’s Plover 1 0 0 0 0 0

Southwest Horn Island

Map 10: Locations of Observed Solitary Shorebirds on Western Horn Island (2012 imagery).

Southwest Horn was surveyed 15 times from May 5 to August 16. Snowy Plovers, American Oystercatchers, Willets, Wilson’s Plovers and Black-necked Stilts were all observed.

American Oystercatchers were observed on all surveys with the peak number of adults observed on July 8 with 23 adults. On June 28 the peak number of nesting pairs was observed with 4. All pairs were exhibiting nesting behaviors. One pair had 2 chicks with them and another had 1 fledge.

Snowy Plovers were observed on 13 surveys with the peak number of adults observed on May 9 with 33 adults. One nest was found on both the June 9 and July 29 survey. One nest contained 2 eggs and the other 3 eggs. The outcome of both nests is unknown. No other nesting behaviors were observed.

Willets were observed on 13 surveys with the peak number of adults observed on July 8 with 50 adults. On June 21, 2 pairs were observed exhibiting nesting behavior by dive bombing and vocalizing. No nests or chicks were observed.

Wilson’s Plovers were observed on 6 surveys with the peak number of adults observed on July 8 with 17 adults. No nesting behaviors were observed.

A pair of Black-necked Stilts was observed on July 8. They were vocalizing and giving broken wing, but no nest or chicks were found. The pair of adults was observed in the same area on August 16, but not exhibiting any nesting behaviors.

Southwest Horn Island, Peak Totals of Solitary Species Observed:

Species Adults Pairs Nests Eggs Chicks Fledges Snowy Plover 33 2 2 5 0 0 American 23 4 4 0 2 1 Oystercatcher Willet 50 2 2 0 0 0 Wilson’s Plover 17 0 0 0 0 0 Black-necked 2 1 1 0 0 0 Stilt

Northeast Horn Island

Northeast Horn was survey 13 times from May 15 to August 26. Snowy Plovers, American Oystercatcher Catchers, Willets, and Black-necked Stilts were all observed.

American Oystercatchers were observed on 5 surveys with the peak number of adults observed on June 3 with 4 adults. On June 28 the peak number of nesting pairs was observed with 2. All pairs were exhibiting nesting behaviors. One pair had 2 chicks with them and another had 1 fledge.

Snowy Plovers were observed on 7 surveys with the peak number of 5 adults observed on June 3, 18 and 29. No pairs or nesting behaviors were observed.

Willets were observed on 11 surveys with the peak number of adults observed on June 3 with 9 adults. No pairs or nesting behaviors were observed.

A pair of adult Black-necked Stilts was observed exhibiting nesting behavior on July 23. On July 30, both adults were observed in the same area with 2 chicks. On August 19, both adults were observed with 2 fledges.

Northeast Horn Island, Peak Totals of Solitary Species Observed:

Species Adults Pairs Nests Eggs Chicks Fledges Snowy Plover 5 0 0 0 0 0 American 4 2 2 0 2 0 Oystercatcher Willet 9 0 0 0 0 0 Black-necked 2 1 1 0 2 2 Stilt

Northwest Horn Island

Northwest Horn was survey 11 times from May 10 to August 6. Snowy Plovers, American Oystercatcher, Willets, Wilson’s Plovers and Black-necked Stilts were all observed

American Oystercatchers were observed on 7 surveys with the peak number of adults observed on May 13 and June 3 with 10 adults. On May 13 the peak number of nesting pairs was observed with 2. Scrapes were found in the area of each pair. No nests or chicks were observed in later surveys.

Snowy Plovers were observed on 2 surveys with the peak number of 3 adults observed on May 3 and 18. No pairs or nesting behaviors were observed.

Willets were observed on 8 surveys with the peak number of adults observed on June 14 with 12 adults. The peak number of pairs observed was on June 14 with 2 pairs. Both pairs likely had a nest or chicks in the area due to their circling and vocalizing. No nests or chicks were observed.

Wilson’s Plovers were observed on 2 surveys with the peak number of adults observed on May 13 and June 14 with 2 adults. No nesting behaviors were observed.

A pair of adult Black-necked Stilts was observed on August 6. No nesting behaviors were observed.

Northwest Horn Island, Peak Totals of Solitary Species Observed:

Species Adults Pairs Nests Eggs Chicks Fledges Snowy Plover 10 2 0 0 0 0 American 23 4 4 0 2 1 Oystercatcher Willet 12 2 2 0 0 0 Wilson’s Plover 2 0 0 0 0 0 Black-necked 2 1 0 0 0 0 Stilt

East Ship Island

Map 11: Locations of Observed Solitary Shorebirds on East Ship Island (2012 imagery).

East Ship Island was surveyed for solitary shorebirds 3 times throughout the season from May 19 to July 7. Snowy Plovers, American Oystercatchers, Willets and Wilson’s Plovers were all observed on the island.

Snowy Plovers were only observed during the one survey on July 4. Two adults were observed and they were not exhibiting nesting behavior.

Wilson’s Plovers were observed during all 3 surveys with the peak number of 2 on May 19. On July 4 and 7 one adult was observed exhibiting nesting behavior. It is likely this adult was part of a nesting pair, but no eggs or chicks were observed.

American Oystercatchers were observed on all surveys with the peak number of adults observed on May 19 with 4. No nesting behaviors were observed during any surveys.

One Willet was observed on the July 7 survey. No nesting behaviors were observed.

East Ship Island, Peak Totals of Solitary Species Observed:

Species Adults Pairs Nests Eggs Chicks Fledges Snowy Plover 2 0 0 0 0 0 American 4 0 0 0 0 0 Oystercatcher Willet 1 0 0 0 0 0 Wilson’s Plover 2 0 1 0 0 0

West Ship Island

Map 12: Locations of Observed Solitary Shorebirds on West Ship Island (2012 imagery).

West Ship Island was surveyed for solitary shorebirds 9 times throughout the season from May 19 to August 30. Snowy Plovers, American Oystercatchers, Willets and Wilson’s Plovers were all observed on the island.

American Oystercatchers were observed on 6 surveys with the peak number of adults observed on August 11 with 6. The 6 adults observed were part of 3 nesting pairs. One pair was located on the dunes at the end of the east tip and observed in an incubating posture on 3 occasions. They were last observed

80 incubating on June 27. On June 17 the pair was observed in the area, but not incubating. No chicks were observed. The second pair was observed on the southeast shore. On June 11 the pair was observed vocalizing and possible defending a nest. No other nesting behaviors or chicks were observed. The third pair was located on the west tip at the edge of the dunes. A 2 egg nest was found and incubation was observed. The pair was last observed in the area on August 11 and no nesting behaviors or chicks were observed. One fledge was observed on August 4 and 11. It was located on the south shore close to the east tip. It is unknown if it was with one of the nesting pairs observed or if it possibly came from another location.

Snowy Plovers were observed on 3 occasions. The peak number observed was on July 28 with 3. No nesting behaviors were observed.

Willets were observed on during 5 surveys. The peak number observed was on June 11 with 6. Four of these 6 were observed exhibiting nesting behavior. One pair was located on the northeast shore and were observed vocalizing and dive bombing on numerous occasions. No nest or chicks were ever observed. The other pair was located on the northwest shore and were observed vocalizing and dive bombing on numerous occasions. No nest or chicks were ever observed.

Wilson’s Plovers were observed on the June 11 survey. Four adults were observed with no nesting behaviors.

West Ship Island, Peak Totals of Solitary Species Observed:

Species Adults Pairs Nests Eggs Chicks Fledges Snowy Plover 3 0 0 0 0 0 American 6 3 2 2 0 1 Oystercatcher Willet 6 2 0 0 0 0 Wilson’s Plover 4 0 0 0 0 0

Results and Recommendations

Colonial Nesting Species

A total of twenty one nesting colonies were monitored on five GUIS MS barrier islands: Petit Bois (six colonies), Sand (one colony), Horn (seven colonies), East Ship (three colonies), and West Ship (four colonies). Surveys began on May 8 and ended on August 30.

Colonial nesting species were comprised of the Black Skimmer (Rynchops niger), Least Tern (Sternula antillarum), Gull-billed Tern (Gelochelidon nilotica), Common Tern (Sterna hirundo), and Sooty Tern (Onychoprion fuscatus).

The total number of adults in a colony and fledglings observed by species are: Black Skimmers with 634 adults, 287 nests and 191 fledglings, Least Terns with 1523 adults 561 nests and 7 fledglings, Gull-billed Terns with 79 adults 33 nests and 12 fledglings, Common Terns with 81 adults 40 nests and 38 fledglings and Sooty Terns with 1 observed adult 1 nest and 0 observed fledglings.

District-wide productivity of nests (sitting adults) to fledglings by species: Common Tern, 0.95, Black Skimmer, 0.666, Gull-billed Tern, 0.364, Least Tern, 0.012, and Sooty Tern 0.0.

Mississippi District Colonial Species Totals by Island

Adults Island Species Nests Eggs Chicks Fledges Observed Least Tern 127 42 3 0 3 Black 44 17 0 3 2 Petit Bois Skimmer Common 4 1 0 0 0 Tern Least Tern 130 27 1 2 1 Sand Island Black 13 0 0 0 0 Skimmer Horn Least Tern 186 25 8 1 0 Least Tern 600 293 0 4 3 East Ship Black 31 10 0 0 0 Skimmer Least Tern 480 174 0 0 0 Black 546 260 0 58 189 Skimmer Common West Ship 77 39 0 46 38 Tern Gull Billed 79 33 0 21 12 Tern Sooty Tern 1 1 0 1 0

Mississippi District Peak Total for Colonial Species

Adults Species Nests Eggs Chicks Fledges Observed Black Skimmer 634 287 0 61 191 Common Tern 81 40 0 46 38 Gull Billed 79 33 0 21 12 Tern Least Tern 1523 561 1 7 7 Sooty Tern 1 1 0 1 0

Solitary Nesting Species

Five of the GUIS MS barrier islands were surveyed on a rotational basis for solitary nesting species: Petit Bois, Sand (Spoil), Horn, East Ship, and West Ship. A total of 49.9 linear miles of shoreline was surveyed on a rotational basis. Monitoring began on May 8 and ended on August 30.

Nesting solitary species observed included: Willet (Tringa semipalmata ), Snowy Plover (Charadrius nivosus), Wilson’s Plover (Charadrius wilsonia ), American Oystercatcher (Haematopus palliatus) and Black-necked Stilt (Himantopus mexicanus).

The District-wide total number of observed adults by species are Willet, 117, American Oystercatcher, 101, Snowy Plover 93, Wilson’s Plover, 36, and Black-necked Stilt, 6. The numbers of observed adults does not equate to the number of nests, however, they are an indicator of potential nesting activity.

Mississippi District Solitary Totals by Island: Adults Island Species Pairs Nests Eggs Chicks Fledges Observed Snowy 14 1 1 0 0 0 Plover American 14 5 1 0 2 0 Petit Bois Oystercatcher Willet 14 3 2 0 0 0 Wilson’s 7 2 1 0 0 0 Plover Snowy 5 1 1 0 0 0 Plover American Sand 9 1 1 0 0 0 Oystercatcher Island Willet 2 0 0 0 0 0 Wilson’s 4 1 1 0 2 0 Plover Snowy 69 8 6 5 3 0 Plover American 68 14 13 3 8 2 Oystercatcher Horn Willet 94 4 4 0 0 0 Wilson’s 20 0 0 0 0 0 Plover Black-necked 6 3 2 0 2 2 Stilt Snowy 2 0 0 0 0 0 Plover American 4 0 0 0 0 0 East Ship Oystercatcher Willet 1 0 0 0 0 0 Wilson’s 2 0 1 0 0 0 Plover Snowy 3 0 0 0 0 0 Plover American 6 3 2 2 0 1 West Ship Oystercatcher Willet 6 2 0 0 0 0 Wilson’s 3 0 0 0 0 0 Plover

Mississippi District Solitary Totals by Species:

Adults Species Pairs* Nests* Eggs* Chicks* Fledges* Observed Snowy 93 10 8 5 3 0 Plover American 101 23 17 5 10 3 Oystercatcher Willet 117 9 6 0 0 0 Wilson’s 36 3 3 0 2 0 Plover Black-necked 6 3 2 0 2 2 Stilt *Numbers represent incidental observations not actual counts.

Disturbances to Nesting

Documented disturbances to nesting included free running dogs, raccoons, UTV/ATV use at and around the nesting colonies, visitor activities (walk-throughs and camping) and wind, rain and high tides associated with foul weather.

Nesting activities were impacted by strong winds and high tides as well as frequent isolated thunderstorms. Nests in the low lying areas such as the tips of the islands were the most susceptible. Tropical Storm Andrea was the only named tropical weather to influence our area.