HomeMy WebLinkAbout2013 End of Season Report Final
Town
of
Southold
–
Beach-‐Dependent
Bird
Species
Management
Program
NYS
DEC
Designated
Monitoring
Sites
Prepared
By:
Aaron
Virgin
Edited
By:
Christine
Tylee
September
2013
Piping
Plover
(Charadrius
melodus),
left
and
center
Least
Tern
(Sterna
antilarrum),
right
“Conservation
is
a
state
of
harmony
between
men
and
land.”
-‐
Aldo
Leopold
(1934)
2
2013
Year
in
Review
The
North
Fork
of
Long
Island
holds
vital
breeding
grounds
for
several
species
of
summer
breeding
shorebirds
and
colonial
waterbirds.
Whether
these
are
Sound
or
bay
beaches,
all
play
a
vital
role
in
providing
critical
habitat
for
these
species,
most
notably
Piping
Plover
(PIPL)
and
Least
Tern
(LETE).
This
year,
on
eight
out
of
the
20
beaches
surveyed,
PIPL,
a
New
York
State
Endangered
Species
(federally
Threatened
Species),
had
been
observed
during
weekly
monitoring.
Of
those
eight,
four
beaches
had
successful
nest
attempts
made
by
this
species.
By
August
15,
Goldsmith
Inlet
(Inlet
West),
Goldsmith
Inlet
(Kenney’s-‐McCabe’s),
Gull
Pond
West,
and
Little
Creek
successfully
fledged
12
PIPL
in
total.
Least
terns
were
also
monitored,
as
they
are
listed
as
a
New
York
State
Threatened
Species.
This
species
were
more
numerous
because
they
are
colonial
nesters,
which
often
feature
up
to
50
or
more
individual
birds
in
an
area.
Although
LETE
were
found
at
nearly
every
site
surveyed,
only
three
sites
maintained
pairs
that
nested,
resulting
in
35
fledged
young.
All
in
all,
it
was
a
productive
year.
Of
interest,
many
of
the
monitoring
sites
have
undergone
changes
since
the
2012
season,
due
to
Hurricane
Sandy
and
other
storms
experienced
during
the
autumn
of
2012
thru
early
spring
of
2013.
With
the
ever-‐dynamic
weather
patterns
resulting
in
changes
to
our
shorelines,
we
hope
to
expect
PIPL
and
LETE
populations
to
adjust
accordingly.
The
following
provides
a
quick
look
at
the
highlights
and
a
few
low
points
from
the
2013
season:
Highlights:
Exclosures
–
The
public
often
wonders
why
exclosures
are
erected
on
town
beaches,
and
in
some
cases
private
properties.
Fortunately,
for
the
second
year
no
vandalism
occurred
to
the
exclosures.
On
an
interesting
note,
at
Kenney’s
beach
the
exclosure
was
assembled
around
the
nest
on
May
15
below
the
highest
high
tide
mark.
Within
the
incubation
period,
the
full
moon
high
tide
occurred,
which
resulted
in
the
beach
becoming
flooded.
Luckily,
the
seaweed
had
formed
a
barrier
around
the
exclosure
causing
the
eggs
to
stay
dry
and
in
place.
The
nest
eventually
fledged
four
PIPL.
ATV
Use
–
In
the
past,
there
has
been
an
overuse
of
ATV’s
(All-‐Terrain
Vehicles)
on
town
beaches.
Since
PIPL
chicks
cannot
fly
they
run
across
the
beach
when
they
see
a
predator
coming
and
often
hide
in
the
depressions
left
by
ATV
tracks.
Thankfully
this
year,
ATV’s
made
less
of
an
appearance
on
many
of
our
North
Fork
beaches,
but
was
still
evident
at
Breakwater
Beach,
Mattituck.
Low
Points:
Heavy
Machinery
-‐
The
most
notable
event
of
the
year
took
place
on
the
South-‐side
of
Little
Creek.
Construction
equipment,
including
bulldozers
and
4WD
vehicles,
were
observed
throughout
the
entire
breeding
season
beginning
in
mid-‐May.
The
reason
for
the
machinery
being
at
the
site
was
three-‐fold:
re-‐grade
the
beach
with
dredge
material
from
the
creek,
fix
the
handicap
ramp
leading
to
and
from
the
parking
area
and
adjacent
boardwalk,
and
to
re-‐stabilize
the
parking
area
for
the
beach.
This
should
not
have
been
taken
place
during
the
PIPL
and
LETE
breeding
season,
and
should
not
have
continued
as
long
as
it
did.
This
is
especially
due
to
the
fact
that
from
2005-‐
2011,
this
site
was
a
breeding
ground
for
LETE,
while
PIPL
have
attempted
to
nest
during
the
past
two
years
(2011
and
2012).
In
2013,
it
was
not
even
plausible
because
of
the
ongoing
disturbance.
3
Dog
Walking
–
To
any
shorebird,
a
four-‐legged
creature
is
viewed
as
a
predator
that
may
harass
them,
their
young
or
their
eggs.
A
PIPL
chick
is
unable
to
fly
and
when
greeted
by
a
dog,
the
chick
is
defenseless.
As
for
the
dog,
instinct
kicks
in
and
the
three-‐inch
plover
chick
looks
like
food.
Many
birds
depend
on
these
beaches
for
survival,
while
for
dogs
it’s
just
another
playground.
It
is
the
hope,
through
enforcement
of
the
Town’s
new
legislation
regarding
dogs
on
town-‐owned
beaches,
beach-‐nesting
birds
will
not
be
harassed
and
productivity
will
increase.
Garbage
–
One
site
in
particular,
Breakwater
Beach
in
Mattituck,
had
a
large
amount
of
garbage
scattered
above
the
high
tide
margin.
Not
only
is
garbage
on
the
shoreline
an
eyesore
but
it
threatens
breeding
shorebirds,
as
garbage
attracts
predators
that
can
prey
on
nests,
young
or
adults.
Program
Background
The
following
is
a
site-‐by-‐site
summary
of
the
20
sites
monitored
by
Group
for
the
East
End,
in
partnership
with
North
Fork
Audubon
Society
(NFAS),
during
April
-‐
August
2013.
This
monitoring
program
was
initiated
by
NFAS
in
1996,
as
the
Endangered
Species
Program.
Each
section
includes
site-‐
specific
information
regarding
Piping
Plover
(PIPL)
habitat
suitability,
nesting
activity,
overall
productivity,
number
of
visits,
as
well
as
presence
of
Least
Tern
(LETE)
colonies.
The
chief
goal
of
the
program
is
to
determine
overall
productivity
for
PIPL
and
LETE
and
relay
this
information
to
the
New
York
Department
of
Environmental
Conservation
(NYSDEC)
and
United
States
Fish
&
Wildlife
Service
(USFWS),
who
can
determine
the
overall
population
of
these
federally-‐protected
species
(In
NYS,
PIPL
listed
as
“Endangered”;
LETE
listed
as
“Threatened”).
Habitat
Suitability
Ratings
1
Ideal
habitat.
Ample
beach
space
is
present
between
high
tide
mark
and
beginning
of
vegetation
and
valuable
foraging
grounds.
2
Suitable
nesting
habitat.
Some
human
disturbance
is
present;
ample
beach
space
above
the
high
tide
mark
and
valuable
foraging
grounds.
3
Adequate
nesting
habitat
but
frequent
human
disturbance
and/or
predator
presence.
Ample
beach
space
above
the
high
tide
mark
is
present,
but
other
factors
diminish
nesting
success.
4
Generally
unsuitable
habitat.
Significant
human
disturbance
and/or
predators
are
present.
Insufficient
area
above
high
tide
mark
for
nesting
and
some
suitable
foraging
habitat
is
present.
5
Unsuitable
habitat.
Extreme
human
disturbance
and
predators
are
present.
No
beach
area
above
high
tide
mark
due
to
groins,
bulk
heading
or
periodic
flooding.
Productivity
Piping
Plovers
Total
number
of
pairs:
12
Number
of
nest
attempts:
9
Number
of
nests
that
hatched:
5
Number
of
young
fledged:
12
Number
of
young
fledged
per
pair:
1
Least
Terns
Number
of
colonies:
3
Number
of
nesting
pairs:
90
Number
of
young
fledged:
33
Number
of
young
fledged
per
pair:
.37
4
Site
Habitat
Suitability
Number
of
PIPL
Pairs
Number
of
PIPL
Nests
Total
PIPL
Fledglings
Size
of
LETE
Colony
Number
of
Visits
Angel
Shores
5
0
0
0
0
3
Corey
Creek
Mouth
2
2
0
0
0
21
Cutchogue
Harbor
(Mud
Creek)
3
0
0
0
0
9
Cutchogue
Harbor
(TNC
-‐
Meadow
Beach)
1
2
2
0
0
27
Downs
Creek
4
0
0
0
0
8
Goldsmith
Inlet
(Inlet
West)
2
1
1
1
0
45
Goldsmith
Inlet
(Kenney’s
-‐
McCabe’s)
3
1
1
4
0
44
Goose
Creek
(Southold
Bay)
3
0
0
0
0
9
Gull
Pond
West
1
3
3
4
30
46
Hashamomuck
Beach
(Town
Beach)
4
0
0
0
0
4
James
Creek
5
0
0
0
0
3
Jockey
Creek
(Spoil
Island)
5
0
0
0
0
3
Kimogener
Point
(West
Creek)
5
0
0
0
0
4
Little
Creek
2
2
1
3
0
31
Little
Hog
Neck
(Nassau
Point)
4
0
0
0
0
9
Marratooka
Point
(Deep
Hole
Creek)
5
0
0
0
0
3
Mattituck
Inlet
(Breakwater)
1
1
1
0
140
25
Mattituck
Inlet
(Bailie
Beach)
4
0
0
0
0
5
Port
of
Egypt
(Island)
3
0
0
0
10
19
Richmond
Creek
3
0
0
0
0
13
5
2013
Site
Summaries
and
Recommendations
Angel
Shores
As
reported
in
2012,
this
site
lacks
suitable
nesting
habitat
for
PIPL
and
LETE.
Extensive
bulkheads
and
a
lack
of
upper
beach
habitat
continue
to
dissuade
beach-‐nesting
birds
from
occupying
this
site.
Once
again,
no
transient
birds
were
seen
foraging
at
this
site
at
any
time
during
visits.
The
effects
from
Hurricane
Sandy
were
noted
at
this
site
(see
Figure
1),
as
sand
had
been
pushed
into
vegetated
areas
thus
resulting
in
some
marginal
habitat
for
beach-‐nesting
birds.
However,
a
patch
of
Phragmites
(see
Figure
2)
was
observed
growing
along
the
margin
of
a
yard
and
upper
beach
habitat.
Recommendation
–
suggest
to
the
homeowner
to
limit
fertilizer
use
on
mowed
section
of
property
while
increasing
the
buffer
between
lawn
and
upper
beach
habitat.
Plantings
of
native
beach
vegetation
where
sand
has
been
pushed
from
the
shoreline
will
enhance
nesting
habitat
for
PIPL
and
LETE.
Figure
1
–
Effects
of
Hurricane
Sandy
Figure
2
–
Phragmites
invading
upper
beach
habitat
Corey
Creek
Mouth
A
PIPL
pair
was
observed
in
the
central
or
South
Harbor
Beach
section
(west
of
Corey
Creek).
This
pair
was
found
performing
aerial
displays,
territorial
calls,
and
the
broken
wing
display.
A
nearby
homeowner
suggested
that
there
was
a
nest
close
in
proximity
to
her
home,
but
a
nest
was
not
located
in
all
the
times
visiting
this
site.
However,
even
if
a
nest
had
been
laid
it
was
most
likely
predated
by
American
Crows,
as
this
species
has
been
problematic
in
the
past.
The
pair
was
seen
within
this
section
of
the
site
during
the
remainder
of
the
summer,
but
no
additional
nesting
attempts
were
witnessed.
Another
pair
of
plovers
was
observed
in
the
eastern
or
Takaposha
Shores
section
(east
of
Corey
Creek)
during
the
nesting
season,
however
no
nests
were
located.
This
pair
was
seen
scraping,
possibly
to
make
a
nest,
close
to
the
upper
beach.
It
should
be
noted
that
this
site
has
featured
an
active
Red
Fox
den
in
the
past
three
breeding
seasons.
Of
interest,
a
pair
of
Willets
was
observed
on
the
western
end
of
the
Takaposha
section.
They
nested
at
this
site
in
the
past,
but
no
nest
found
in
2013.
It
is
unlikely
that
the
Willets
had
an
impact
on
the
nesting
PIPL.
LETE
were
noted
foraging
in
the
area
but
none
nested.
Recommendation
–
since
predation
(crows,
fox)
has
been
an
issue
at
this
site
in
the
past,
increased
monitoring
should
be
deployed
to
ensure
breeding
success.
6
Cutchogue
Harbor
(Mud
Creek)
As
noted
in
2012,
this
private
section
of
Cutchogue
Harbor
has
potentially
good
nesting
habitat,
however
seasonal
residents
(beachgoers,
boaters,
children,
dogs)
tend
to
disturb
potential
nesting
birds
in
the
area.
In
addition,
the
nature
of
the
steeply
sloped
beach
results
in
a
lack
of
upper
beach
habitat
(above
high
tide
margin).
It
was
also
noted
that
in
mid-‐May,
extreme
high
tides
due
to
the
full
moon
left
very
little
nesting
habitat
for
PIPL,
LETE
or
any
other
beach-‐nesting
birds.
Later
in
the
season,
a
few
transient
PIPL,
including
one
fledgling
from
a
neighboring
site,
were
seen
in
this
section.
Unlike
other
sites
monitored
this
year,
the
Mud
Creek
section
of
Cutchogue
Harbor
felt
little
effect
from
Hurricane
Sandy
and
the
other
winter
storms
of
2012-‐13.
This
could
be
due
to
the
sheltered
nature
and
orientation
of
the
harbor.
Recommendation
-‐
Continue
to
monitor
the
site
through
the
nesting
season
and
informing
the
residents,
renters,
and
general
public
about
the
program.
Due
to
the
site’s
close
proximity
to
Meadow
Beach,
which
has
had
recent
success
as
a
PIPL
and
LETE
nest
site,
this
site
has
potential
for
being
desirable
for
nesting.
Cutchogue
Harbor
(Meadow
Beach)
One
complete
PIPL
nest
(4
eggs)
was
exclosed
in
late
April.
It
is
believed
the
pair
abandoned
the
nest
due
to
the
presence
of
fox,
as
tracks
were
noted
around
the
exclosure.
In
early
June
another
complete
nest
was
discovered
roughly
30
yards
to
the
southwest
(see
Figure
3).
This
nest
was
not
exclosed
and
within
one
week
the
four
eggs
disappeared,
most
likely
predated
by
a
fox
or
crow.
Even
though
a
pair
of
American
Oystercatchers
(AMOY)
was
observed
here
on
multiple
occasions
no
nest
was
found.
As
the
summer
progressed,
the
site
was
a
popular
stopover
for
post-‐breeding
PIPL
and
other
shorebirds
migrating
through
our
area.
Unfortunately,
no
LETE
attempted
to
nest
at
the
site
and
only
a
few
individual
transient
birds
were
seen
during
the
latter
part
of
the
season.
Recommendation
–
Following
the
July
4
weekend
roughly
60
bottle
rocket
firework
components
washed
up
on
the
shore.
It’s
proposed
to
work
with
The
Nature
Conservancy,
owner
of
the
property,
to
organize
a
cleanup
of
the
shoreline
to
ensure
safe
foraging
and
nesting
habitat
for
beach-‐nesting
birds.
Figure
3
–
Meadow
Beach
PIPL
nest
attempts
7
Downs
Creek
As
noted
in
2012,
this
site
contains
some
marginal
nesting
habitat
and
some
transient
shorebirds
were
observed
during
the
breeding
season.
The
impacts
from
Hurricane
Sandy
and
the
other
storms
from
last
winter
have
created
some
potential
nesting
habitat
at
this
site.
In
the
vicinity
of
the
Osprey
pole
(see
Figures
4
&
5),
a
small
section
of
upper
beach,
approximately
50
ft.
wide,
has
been
created.
However,
the
construction
of
a
new
home
being
built
just
beyond
this
section,
along
with
many
other
human
activities
(dog
walking,
boats
coming
on
the
beach),
will
likely
deter
any
shorebirds
from
nesting
here.
Recommendation
–
none
at
this
time.
Continue
monitoring
will
verify
if
the
new
beach-‐nesting
habitat
created
will
be
beneficial
to
PIPL
and
LETE.
Figures
4
&
5
–
Marginal
nesting
habitat
at
Downs
Creek
Goldsmith
Inlet
(Inlet
West)
It
is
believed
that
first
and
second
PIPL
nesting
attempts
were
likely
made
but
the
nest(s)
were
not
found.
However,
in
early
June
an
incomplete
two-‐egg
nest
was
discovered
adjacent
to
the
town’s
parking
lot
(see
Figure
6).
Second
attempts
rarely
have
a
complete
clutch
of
four
eggs
due
to
the
physical
constraints,
e.g.
calcium
to
produce
the
eggshell,
in
the
female.
An
exclosure
was
erected
on
former
dredge
material,
and
the
nest
represents
the
third
consecutive
season
a
pair
has
nested
on
the
material.
Beginning
on
July
10,
only
one
adult
PIPL
was
observed
foraging
with
a
single
chick,
and
in
late
July
the
one
chick
successfully
fledged.
As
was
the
case
in
2011
and
2012,
the
plover
adults
would
lead
the
young
away
from
the
busier
sections
of
the
beach.
Whether
it
was
roughly
300
yards
away
from
the
parking
area
or
away
from
dog
walkers,
PIPL
seem
well
aware
of
the
many
human
activities
at
this
beach.
Recommendation
–
enforcement
of
the
Town’s
new
law
regarding
dogs
on
public
beaches
will
need
to
take
place
at
this
location,
as
it
has
been
a
favorite
destination
of
dog
walkers.
Figure
6
–
PIPL
exclosure
at
Goldsmith
Inlet
8
Goldsmith
Inlet
(Kenney’s-‐McCabe’s)
As
noted
in
the
past,
this
site
features
heavy
beach-‐bathing
use,
predation
(crows,
raccoons,
gulls,
rodents),
unleashed
dogs,
and
periodic
flooding
from
storms
and
tides.
A
few
other
human
disturbances
witnessed
this
year
included,
people
lying
in
the
upper
beach
and
dune
habitat,
a
homeowner
raking
up
to
and
around
the
symbolic
string
fencing,
and
launching
of
small
sailboats
in
close
proximity
to
nest
sites.
Flooding
would
have
been
the
major
issue
this
year
because
a
four-‐egg
nest
was
laid
below
the
highest
high
tide
mark
just
before
the
full
moon
high
tide.
However,
the
nest
was
exclosed
(see
Figure
7)
prior
in
mid-‐May
and
seaweed
miraculously
built
a
blockade
around
the
exclosure
preventing
the
nest
from
being
washed
out.
All
four
eggs
survived
and
the
four
young
were
seen
foraging
with
both
adults
between
Kenney’s
and
McCabe’s
beach
until
mid-‐July
when
all
four
fledged.
Recommendation
–
this
site
will
benefit
from
continued
public
outreach
in
the
future,
as
many
residents
and
visitors
are
ill-‐informed
about
the
monitoring
of
these
threatened
birds,
their
status,
why
string
fencing
and
exclosures
were
being
employed,
and
simply
what
to
do
or
not
to
do
if
a
PIPL
is
encountered.
Figure
7
–
McCabe’s
Beach
PIPL
exclosure
and
string
fence
Goose
Creek
(Southold
Bay)
As
noted
in
2012,
while
there
is
adequate
to
a
fair
amount
of
nesting
habitat
at
this
site,
it
continues
to
be
a
very
popular
destination
with
beach
bathers,
dog
walkers
and
the
occasional
off-‐road
vehicle.
As
a
result,
PIPL
and
LETE
tend
to
avoid
this
area
as
a
nesting
site,
and
no
nesting
attempts
for
either
species
were
noted.
A
few
transient
shorebirds
were
noted
in
April
and
again
in
August.
Recommendation
–
this
site
could
greatly
benefit
from
improving
the
natural
habitat
by
planting
beach
grasses
and
salt
tolerant
shrubs
to
provide
more
nesting
habitat
and
better
protection
from
predators.
Gull
Pond
West
In
past
years,
this
beach
proved
to
be
one
of
the
most
productive
sites
monitored.
Although
Gull
Pond
West
had
the
highest
number
of
nest
attempts
this
year
(three),
three
separate
PIPL
pairs,
it
was
not
the
most
productive
site
since
more
effort
was
needed
due
to
failed
nests
(Kenny’s
Beach
had
one
nest/pair
resulting
in
4
fledged
young).
At
Gull
Pond
West,
the
first
nest
of
the
season
was
exclosed
(see
Figure
8)
on
April
25
but
abandoned
due
to
a
predator
(likely
a
fox)
in
the
area.
All
told,
two
PIPL
pairs
nested
successfully,
with
one
pair
fledging
three
young,
while
the
other
pair
hatched
four
young
on
June
3.
On
the
night
of
Friday,
June
7,
a
storm
flooded
the
beach
and
only
one
chick
was
left
the
following
day,
later
9
Gull
Pond
West
(continued)
fledging
July
7.
The
LETE
population
was
larger
this
year,
with
approximately
30
nesting
birds.
However,
the
terns
took
a
beating
with
the
extreme
high
tide,
and
subsequent
normal
high
tides,
only
fledging
three
young
total.
Recommendation-‐
In
2012,
a
strong
outreach
effort
to
the
five
homeowners
adjacent
to
the
site
proved
successful,
as
positive
interactions
and
assistance
was
achieved
through
the
breeding
season.
This
year,
there
was
still
some
disturbance
from
one
homeowner
in
particular.
For
example,
there
was
a
fire-‐pit
on
the
beach,
beach
chairs
hung
on
the
string
fencing
posts
(see
Figure
9),
wood
piled
up
next
to
the
string
fencing
entrance,
and
a
boat
docked
on
the
sand
just
outside
of
the
string
fencing.
These
are
all
heavy
disturbances
to
beach-‐nesting
shorebirds,
and
further
action
should
be
taken
(posting
signs,
talking
to
homeowner).
4
Figure
8
–
first
exclosure
of
the
season
Figure
9
–
beach
chairs
and
boat
along
fencing
Hashamomuck
Beach
(Town
Beach)
As
noted
last
year,
the
large
population
(upwards
of
90
individuals
at
times)
of
gull
species
(Herring,
Great
Black-‐backed,
Ring-‐billed)
is
intimidating
to
breeding
and
foraging
beach-‐nesting
birds
and
often
are
a
major
predator
of
young
birds
during
the
summer
months.
Fortunately,
many
gull
species
leave
the
area
in
mid-‐spring
shortly
after
PIPL
and
LETE
arrive.
This
departure
by
the
gulls
to
offshore
breeding
islands
is
accompanied
by
summer
visitors
to
this
beach,
one
of
the
most
popular
Sound
beaches
in
the
Town.
A
concentration
of
people,
occasional
dogs,
and
a
lack
of
upper
beach
habitat
have
resulted
in
no
nesting
attempts
at
this
site
once
again.
Recommendation
–
continue
limiting
visits
to
the
site
due
to
low
probability
of
nesting.
James
Creek
This
site
continues
to
not
contain
suitable
nesting
habitat
and
was
not
occupied
by
PIPL
or
LETE
in
2013.
This
is
due
to
extensive
bulkheads
(see
Figures
10
&
11)
and
groins
employed
in
the
area.
The
latter
have
scalloped
any
viable
nesting
habitat
to
the
east
of
the
creek’s
mouth,
while
the
former
is
present
on
the
western
portion
of
the
creek.
Recommendation
–
continue
limiting
visits
to
the
site
due
to
low
probability
of
nesting.
10
James
Creek
(continued)
Figures
10
&
11
–
“shore-‐hardening”
has
depleted
beach-‐nesting
bird
habitat
Jockey
Creek
(Spoil
Island)
This
site
continues
to
lack
suitable
nesting
habitat
and
was
not
occupied
by
PIPL
and
LETE
in
2013.
This
is
due
to
the
absence
of
upper
beach
habitat
above
the
high
tide
line
and
extensive
vegetation
(cedars
in
particular).
Recommendation
–
this
island
can
be
enhanced
with
dredge
material
to
create
habitat,
while
allowing
navigable
channels
to
remain
open.
Kimogener
Point
(West
Creek)
Due
to
the
presence
of
extensive
bulkheads,
groins,
and
lack
of
any
upper
beach
habitat
due
to
New
Suffolk
Avenue
and
housing
to
the
west,
there
are
very
little
suitable
nesting
areas,
particularly
on
the
eastern
side
of
West
Creek.
The
peninsula
that
was
created
or
enhanced
by
dredging
activities
in
2008
has
been
removed,
thus
improving
the
flow
of
water
from
Peconic
Bay
into
West
Creek.
This
however,
has
not
resulted
in
providing
(or
removing)
any
new
nesting
habitat
for
beach-‐nesting
birds.
It
was
noted
that
portions
of
the
beach
east
of
the
bulkhead
(see
Figure
12)
along
the
shore
of
West
Creek
inlet
might
may
have
benefited
from
Hurricane
Sandy
and
the
other
winter
storms
of
last
year,
however
this
summer
it
was
noted
that
the
beach
maintained
a
sharp
incline
throughout
the
breeding
season,
and
not
beneficial
to
beach-‐nesting
birds
(see
Figure
13).
Recommendation
–
none
at
this
time.
Figure
12
–
bulkhead
at
Kimogener
Pt.
Figure
13
–
beach
showing
sharp
incline
11
Little
Creek
As
noted
in
2012,
the
public
beach
off
Nassau
Point
Causeway
continues
to
narrow
and
lessen
in
size,
leaving
very
little
nesting
habitat
for
PIPL
and
LETE
to
nest
above
high
tide.
This
was
especially
true
after
Hurricane
Sandy
and
last
year’s
winter
storms.
Along
with
erosion,
another
major
disturbance
was
experienced
at
this
site
in
2013.
Beginning
in
mid-‐May,
heavy
machinery
and
construction
equipment
was
observed
multiple
times
throughout
the
breeding
season
(see
Figures
14
&
15),
resulting
in
inhospitable
breeding
grounds
along
the
shoreline.
In
2010
and
2011,
two
pairs
of
PIPL
attempted
to
nest
at
the
public
beach,
only
to
have
their
nest
wash
away
due
to
the
close
proximity
to
high
tide.
Not
only
are
these
birds
suffering
from
habitat
loss
at
this
site,
this
year
bulldozers
and
large
trucks
interfered
with
any
possible
nesting
efforts.
Moreover,
LETE
nested
at
this
site
between
2005
and
2011.
None
nested
this
year,
but
some
were
witnessed
foraging
on
several
occasions.
A
pair
of
PIPL
was
once
again
successful
on
the
north
side
of
Little
Creek,
where
extensive
private
property
and
town-‐owned
land
abounds.
The
pair
laid
a
four-‐egg
nest
on
dredge
material,
which
hatched
the
first
week
of
June.
Three
PIPL
fledged
on
July
2.
Another
pair
of
PIPL
visited
this
section
of
beach
often,
but
no
nest
was
found.
Recommendation-‐
due
to
the
heavy
machinery
and
human
activity
on
the
south
side
of
Little
Creek,
string
fencing
should
be
assembled
early
in
the
season
to
provide
enough
space
for
shorebirds
to
forage
and/or
nest.
Furthermore,
there
should
be
no
construction
equipment
on
this
beach
during
the
breeding
season
whatsoever.
This
site
contains
no
informational
signs,
but
PIPL
and
LETE
would
potentially
benefit
greatly
if
signs
were
posted
at
both
the
public
and
private
sections
of
the
beach
because
of
all
the
frequent
visitors
and
unleashed
dogs.
Figure
14
–
construction
vehicles
south
of
Little
Creek
Figure
15
–
vehicle
tracks
on
former
PIPL
&
LETE
nest
site
Little
Hog
Neck
(Nassau
Point)
The
rocky
shoreline
of
Little
Hog
Neck
lacks
a
sandy
upper
beach
area
with
substantial
vegetation
(see
Figures
16
&
17),
which
is
the
main
reason
why
PIPL
have
avoided
nesting
here.
Although
many
migrating
shorebirds
were
observed
visiting
the
site,
bulkheads
to
the
north
and
east,
beach
debris,
unfavorable
weather
conditions
resulting
in
extreme
tide
levels
were
not
conducive
for
PIPL
or
LETE.
Recommendation
-‐
none
at
this
time
12
Little
Hog
Neck
(continued)
Figure
16
–
“birds
eye”
view
of
Nassau
Point
Figure
17
–
On
the
ground
view
of
beach
habitat
Marratooka
Point
This
site
lacks
any
upper
beach
habitat
for
two
reasons:
first,
multiple
groins
(9+)
are
scouring
a
portion
of
the
beach,
and
second
the
presence
of
nearly
a
dozen
houses
are
located
just
above
the
high
tide
mark
(see
Figure
18).
These
are
two
examples
how
human
disturbance
is
negatively
impacting
shorebirds
from
nesting
on
certain
beaches,
and
the
reason
why
this
site
has
not
been
occupied
by
PIPL
or
LETE
in
recent
years.
Recommendation
–
since
Deep
Hole
Creek
(see
Figure
19)
is
an
active
navigable
waterway,
this
site
should
be
monitored
as
a
possible
dredge
site
and
therefore
included
in
the
annual
dredge
site
habitat
assessment
report
for
Southold
Town.
Figure
18
–
bay
view
of
Marratooka
Point
Figure
19
–
sandbar
along
Deep
Hole
Creek
Mattituck
Inlet
(Bailie
Beach)
As
a
whole,
Mattituck
Inlet
contains
one
of
the
largest
areas
of
suitable
nesting
habitat
on
the
North
Fork.
As
noted
in
2012,
the
Bailie
Beach
section
(east
of
the
Inlet)
currently
has
a
serious
unleashed
dog
problem.
Unlike
the
Breakwater
Beach
section
(see
section
below),
Bailie
Beach
did
not
produce
a
single
observation
of
foraging
or
breeding
PIPL,
but
LETE
were
seen
on
most
visits
foraging
in
the
vicinity.
With
the
Town’s
new
dogs
on
public
beach
law,
there
may
be
some
hope
for
future
PIPL
and
LETE
nesting.
Recommendation
–
increased
policing
and
enforcement
of
the
Town’s
new
law
regarding
dogs
on
town-‐
owned
beaches
is
needed
for
2014.
13
Mattituck
Inlet
(Breakwater
Beach)
This
breeding
season,
Breakwater
Beach
ranked
surprisingly
low
on
the
productivity
level.
In
years
past,
this
site
had
been
one
of
the
two
best
breeding
sites
in
Southold
Town
due
to
the
extensive
breeding
and
foraging
habitat
present,
especially
when
compared
to
nearby
Bailie
Beach.
This
year,
a
four-‐egg
nest
had
been
discovered
on
June
25
but
within
just
a
few
days
it
had
been
predated
thus
resulting
in
0
productivity
for
the
entire
site.
Luckily,
the
LETE
colony
returned
and
had
a
successful
outcome
with
roughly
60
nests
at
one
point
during
the
season
and
approximately
30
fledglings
(see
Figure
20).
Recommendation
–
beach
clean-‐ups
should
be
scheduled
more
frequently
to
clear
the
litter
within
the
nesting
habitat.
Increased
policing
and
enforcement
of
the
Town’s
law
on
ATV
use
on
public
beaches
is
needed
at
this
site
(see
Figure
21).
NYS
DEC
will
need
to
increase
patrols
in
the
area
to
be
more
effective
in
prohibiting
this
recreational
activity.
Figure
20
–
entrance
popular
with
LETE
Figure
21
–
area
popular
with
ATVs
in
past
Port
of
Egypt
A
colony
of
Great
Black-‐back
Gulls
(GBBG)
continues
to
inhabit
this
modest
island
with
a
total
of
about
45
nests
in
2013.
The
GBBG
colony
alone
is
enough
to
deter
PIPL
from
nesting
here
even
though
this
site
contains
areas
of
suitable
nesting
habitat.
Several
LETE
pairs
attempted
to
breed
with
five
nests
at
one
point,
however
no
young
were
observed.
A
pair
of
AMOY
was
observed
on
multiple
occasions
but
no
nest
was
located.
Recommendation
–
not
only
is
the
marina
and
boat
traffic
interfering
with
certain
shorebirds
occupying
Port
of
Egypt,
the
GBBG
population
is
a
continuing
issue
that
needs
to
be
reviewed
in
order
to
attract
other
beach
nesting
shorebirds.
A
NYS
DEC
nuisance
permit
would
assist
in
drastically
reducing
or
eliminating
the
GBBG
population,
as
it
is
prohibiting
PIPL,
LETE,
COTE,
and
AMOY
from
successfully
nesting
at
this
location.
Richmond
Creek
Despite
the
lack
of
groins
and
bulkheads,
which
allow
for
adequate
nesting
habitat,
PIPL
and
LETE
did
not
nest
at
this
site
in
2013.
However,
there
were
other
disturbances
that
hinder
birds
from
nesting
here.
These
include
frequent
beach
bathers,
dog
walking
and
boating
along
this
stretch
of
beach.
In
the
past,
illegal
ATV
access
from
Indian
Neck
Road
was
a
problem,
however
this
year
it
was
not
an
issue.
This
site
does
have
good
foraging
habitat,
and
both
species
were
noted
during
survey
periods.
Recommendation
–
none
at
this
time.
14
Acknowledgements
Tom
Damiani,
North
Fork
Audubon
Society,
and
Christine
Tylee,
Group
for
the
East
End,
provided
the
Town
of
Southold
with
exemplary
stewardship
while
monitoring
the
20
New
York
State
Department
of
Environmental
Conservation
(NYS
DEC)
designated
sites
across
Southold
Town
this
past
year.
Without
their
commitment,
strong
birding
skills
and
keen
observations,
this
report
would
not
be
possible.
We
are
indebted
to
Lillian
Ball,
Arnold
Blair,
Barbara
Butterworth,
Carol
Coakley,
Juliana
Duryea,
Bob
and
Carol
Gelling,
Rick
and
Linda
Kedenburg,
Kristina
Lange,
Bob
Maddalena,
Mary
Mulcahy,
Debra
O’Kane,
Bev
Prentice,
John
Sepenoski,
and
Diana
Van
Buren
all
of
whom
contributed
sightings
and/or
erected
string
fencing/exclosures
during
the
2013
breeding
season.