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Wildlife Research
Refuge
wildlife biologists conduct scientific research to understand how to better
manage the refuge for wildlife.
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This
includes several surveys of wildlife populations, banding efforts, and
experiments to find cause and effects relationships affecting wildlife survival
and reproduction.
Surveys
Each year, refuge biologists conduct surveys to keep track of different
wildlife species, including:
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Waterfowl - least bittern, sora rail, VA rail, common moorhen, pied-billed
grebe, and yellow rail. |
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Songbirds - used mostly to keep track of neotropical
migrants, including over 20 warblers. |
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Amphibians - pickerel, mink, green, gray tree, wood,
spring peeper, leopard, bull frog, and the American toad. |
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Large Mammals - deer, black bear, and moose. |
By keeping track of the wildlife they see or hear, biologists can tell
whether wildlife populations are increasing or decreasing.
Bird Banding
 Bird bands are small metal bands, each with a unique number, that identifies
that individual bird. The band is fitted around the bird's leg and
information including sex, weight, age, date, and location are recorded.
When a banded bird is recaptured, killed by a person, or found dead, the band
number, date, and location should be reported to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife
Service. Banding information helps biologists understand migration
patterns and habits of these birds.
| Canada Geese and Ducks - the most common ducks are American black
ducks and wood ducks, although a teals and mergansers are found on occasion. |
| American Woodcock - woodcock are caught using several netting and
trapping methods. |
Visitors are invited to accompany refuge biologists on banding
operations. Please call ahead to schedule a time.
Experiments
Woodcock Telemetry Study
In 1999, a three-year woodcock survival study was completed at
Moosehorn. Biologists
were trying to determine the leading cause of woodcock mortality. They attached tiny radio transmitters to the birds and
used them to record the survival rates of woodcock in hunted areas vs. protected
areas. Moosehorn NWR contained the protected population and property near
Milford owned by Champion Paper Co. held the hunted population.
Shorebird Study This study is being conducted at Refuges across the
country. The Service is trying to determine what effect lowered water levels have
on invertebrates and plants in a waterway. The invertebrates are a primary food for
shorebirds. |
