Waterbird Census Summary 2005

Intensive surveys of waterbird use of the Paruxent Research Refuge have been conducted weekly since 1997. Originally surveys covered 53 wetland units encompassing approximately 560 acres, plus segments of the Patuxent and Little Patuxent Rivers. The amount of habitat has varied considerably over the years because of artificial drawdowns and drought. In 2005, all units were full except Knowles one and two that were drained for a shorebird study.