2005 Research Objectives

1. To complete behavior based models that predict how the density of Horseshoe Crab eggs available to shorebirds affects the birds' rates of weight gain and hence whether they are able to migrate to the Arctic in good condition.

2. To undertake fieldwork to assess the length of stay of individually color marked birds and model the length of stay of groups arriving at different times.

3. To undertake fieldwork and assess the demography of shorebirds migrating through the Delaware Bay through stable isotope analysis of feather samples.

4. To undertake banding efforts and analyze the weight data collected in 2005.

5. To undertake fieldwork to understand the impacts of human disturbance on migratory shorebirds in Delaware.

6. To undertake fieldwork to assess how shorebirds utilize Delaware Bay.

7. To continue training local volunteers in building a dedicated team capable of supporting the monitoring program.



 

All About the Delaware Bay Shorebird Monitoring Program!

The Delaware Shorebird Monitoring Program has been undertaking research into the population dynamics and health of key species of shorebirds on the Delaware Bay since 1997. The team, consisting of dedicated trained volunteers, state and federal staff, and researchers monitors the health of migrant shorebird species that pass through Delaware Bay each spring.

The annual stopover on Delaware Bay is a critical point in the life cycle of shorebirds. The purpose of this research is to improve our understanding of the importance of the Delaware Bay in the life cycles of migrant shorebird populations such as the Red Knot, Ruddy Turnstone, and Sanderling particularly with regard to spawning horseshoe crabs. The sound management and improvement of the Delaware Coastal Zone is vital to this international resource.

Striving for Science Based Management of Shorebirds & Horseshoe Crabs

Volunteers working with researchers as part of the Delaware Shorebird Monitoring Program are collecting data of a quality that enables it to be used in peer review scientific publications and for setting public policy for resource management. The types of data that are being collected include:

  • Shorebird Population Levels & Trends
  • Shorebird Stopover Fitness - Arriving and Departing Timing & Physical Conditions
  • Food Availability - Egg Density
  • Habitat Use and Characteristics

Study Area

Last Update: 28 February 2005

© 2003-2005 Delaware Bay Shorebird Monitoring Program