Noxubee
National Wildlife Refuge |
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Noxubee Refuge's intensive red-cockaded woodpecker management program is notable and trend-setting. The number of clusters has doubled over the past 10 years. The 1/4-mile Woodpecker Trail goes through an active RCW cluster and offers the visitor an excellent opportunity to view this endangered bird. The following is the 2005 annual report on RCW activity on the Refuge: Management for the RCW continues to be a high priority on the Refuge and a driving force for much of the prescribed burning program and pine forest management. Thirty seven clusters were active in 2004. This was the same as in 2003 but down from the |
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population high of 45 active clusters in 2000. Thirty-four groups showed evidence of reproduction. The overall population of the refuge remains about 75 adult birds. Recruitment in 2004 was better than previous years which may have suffered from affects of West Nile Virus. Work began in fall 2003 to investigate long-term suitability of a new insert design made from wood composite (50% recycled plastic and wood). The insert was fabricated from TREX material and was approximately the same size as inserts made from cedar. The new material should prevent problems with rot and rapid interior destruction caused by the pecking of the birds. Fifteen clusters received a pair of new inserts in fall 2003 and spring 2004. One insert was made from TREX and the other from western cedar for comparison. Several birds made use of the new insert design and a group nested in the composite box. Evaluation of the new material will continue for several more years. An article in the July-August 2002 issue of Mississippi Outdoors Magazine featured the history and management of Red-cockaded Woodpeckers on Noxubee Refuge. This article appears courtesy of Mississippi Outdoors Magazine and Photographer Kermit Denver Laird. View article. For more information on the red-cockaded woodpecker try the National RCW Recovery Site. For further information contact: Noxubee National Wildlife Refuge Telephone: (662)323-5548 |
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