Waterbird Census Summary 2003

Intensive surveys of waterbird use of the Patuxent 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 draw-downs and drought. Three units were lost on North Tract in the past year; Rogue Harbor (17 acres) and Powerline (10 acres) were lost when beaver darns were destroyed. Midway (10 acres) was lost when beaver left the unit and the dam was breached.