CfriNCOTHA&ns NARRATIVE REPORTS JANtJARY - DEfiEJ-BER 1HZ

ROUTING SLIP DIVISION OF WILDLIFE REFUGES DiiTE: 3-29 1944

MR. SALTER

JVIRS. WOODIN

IVIRS. GJ\RVIN

VR. immT

SECTION OF OPERATIONS:

E r . Gustafson

Miss Baum

Mrs. Kr icun

SECTION OF LAND MANAGEMENT:

Mr; Eai'aahaw

SECTION OF STRUCTURES:

SECTION OF HABITAT IMPROVEMENT

Mr. Kubichek

Mr. Sciith

^ Mr. Gri f f i th

/ HASB Cook

SECTION OF ERA:

Mrs. Fishman

STENOGRAPHERS •

Miss VvTiorley

REMARKS: CHINCOTEAGUE NARRATIVE REPORT

SEPTEMBER-DECEMBER 1945

Return to: Habitat Improvement

1 Ohiacoteagua

^tgioaal Dlraotor, Bottoa, MastaehmMtta* May 20, ISkk,

Warraa 3. Baura, Aatiaf la Ouurga* Saotloa of HaMtat XaproTanaat, SlTltioa of wildlife nefugee.

Wt feme, Chlaooteafae Hefafo. The Septoabar-Deeeabar I9H3 aarratlTe report froa the Chlncoteague Hefuga

coataiaed ae IB form for Hie Mg gaae anlaale, although a deer population la aaatloned la the text of the report.

Seroral tpeciea of hirds were dleaaooad la the aarxatiTo, bat data m %hm vara aot included la the HUl Uttiaf• While this offioo realise* the llsitatioao under which Mr. Btttkalav It operating, II it suggetted that whoa-crer poetlfcle he oheuld tuhalt the appropriate It forao ooYerlag the Tarlout wildlife populatleat ©a the area, 00 that our records for the area will aot ha eatirolj aeaalaflooo, ao often wo are aalled upoa to supply iaforaatloa oa these points to Interested agencies.

Warren $. loura.

WSB:efn

TABLE OF CQWTEJMTS

Page I. GcSNBBAL

A. Weather Conditions - - 1 B. Water Conditions - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 1 C. Fires. 1

I I . VOLDLIFE A. Migratory Birds

1. Populations and Behavior a. waterfowl - - - - - 1 b. Shorebirds - 2 c. Other Waterbirds - — 2 d. Other Birds 2

2. Food 2 2, Diseases — - - - 2

B. Upland Game Birds - - - — - - - - — - 3 C. Big Game Animals - 3

1 Population - - 3 2, Food and Cover — 3 3. Disease - - — — 3

D. Fur Animals, Predators, Rodents, and Other Animals 3 1. Red Fox 3 2. Raccoon - -- -- — - - - — - - - - 3 3. Cottontail Rabbit - 3 4. Muskrat - - 3 5. Rodents 3 6. Reptiles 3

S. Predaceous Birds - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 4 F. Fish 4

I I I . REFUGE DEVELOPMENT MAIR'IENAKCE 4

IV. ECONOMIC USE OF THE RE1UGE 4

V. PUBLIC RELATIONS A. Recreational - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 4 B. Refuge Visitors 4 C. Hunting 4 D. Violations - — - - - - 4

REFUGE NARRATIVE HEIORT, CH31ICOTEAGUE REFUGE September I to December 51, 1943

Z« GEi^maL

A. Weather Conditions. The following data was obtained from the records of the Assateague Coast Guard Station which is within the refuge area:

ex. I.iin. Snowfall Precipitation Semp. Temp.

September "one 4.88 81 47 October None 5.80 80 34 November None 2,37 77 19 December No record No record i o record IJO record

Totals 13.05 Avg. 79 33

There are no readily availabe records for comparison with cor­responding periods of previous years. However, this has been a mild f a l l .

B. Water Conditions. At the beginning of the period most of the ^onds and water-^oles v/er© practically dry. The heavy rains of September and October brought the ponds up to their proper level and the rains of November replaced the water lost by evaporation. While the weather record i s blank for December I believe that the r a i n f a l l in December was at least eciual to that of November.

0. Fires. There were no fires on the refuge during this period. With the exception of the Cost Guard there are only two res­idents on Assateague Island. This fact together with the restrictions to travel on the beaches, the closing of the area, and the heavy r a i n f a l l , prevented any fir e s .

I I . WILDLIFE

A. Migratory Birds. 1, Popul-itions and Behavior. At the present time, due to

the limited time available for refuge work, there are no records for comparisons. J

a» Waterfowl. During this period the Black Duck was by far, the most abundant waterfowl. Several large flocks of Scaup,-fiostly the Lesser, were present in Chincoteague Bay ad­joining the refuge froxiy'Ragged Point north to the Maryland l i n e P i n t a i l and Baldpates were f a i r l y common on the ponds and l e ­vels. Mixed with the Black Ducks and Pintails were scattered

number of Mallards, Blue-winged and Green-wlngea Teals and Shovellers. On the salt water coves a id channels were found Buffleheads/Hed-breasted Mergansers,-/Hooded Mergansers, J Golden-eyes,/Old 3quAW0 and the three species of Scoter,/ Only one small flock of approxi/uately S00 Brant was found in the v i c i n i t y of the refuge. While there were indications that the Snow Geese had used on the refuge none of them were seen in the area.

Shorebirds. This period marked the end o£ the f a l l shorebird migration. The Semipalmated Sandpiper vras the most common species. Other species in the area were; Willet,y Least Sandpiper,^Sanderling/Knot/Dowitcher, Piping I-lover, Black-bellied Plover,Golden Plover,^Cilldeer, Wilson's Plover^ Wilson^ Snipe^ and Oyster-catcher.- One Upland Plover was seen on October 18. Two Woodcock vfere seen on October 29 and Hov-ember 27.

c. Other .Vaterbirds. A number of other species of waterbirds were present on the refuge during this period. A l i s t of these birds follows; Great Black-backed G u l l / Herring Gull, r6ng-billed Gull/laughing Gull,^ Bonaparte1 s Gull, Caspian Tem^ Forster* s Tem/Commpn Tern/Least Tern/Black y Tern,kittle Blue Heron^ Black-crowned Bight Heron, Green Heron, Great Blue Herons American Bit tern,^American Egret,"^Snowy Egrel^^ Conmon Loon,^Red-throated Loon,-Pied-billed Grebe', Horned Grebe w

The Loons, Grebes, Herring Gulls end Ring-billed l u l l s incre­ased in numbers as the period progressed. The other species decreased in numbers at the seme time.

d. Other Birds. To date, due to the lack of time, no effort has been made to compile a l i s t of a l l species of birds using the refuge. However, some of the more common spepies are Flicker, Tree Swallow Mourning Dove, Card inal/^Junco/Tree Sparrow/Homed Z a r k ^ i r a i r i e Horned Lark,^Snow Bunting/^Towhee^ Myrtle warbler. Pine Warbler,^Prairie Warbler/'.mite-eyed Yireo,^Red-eyed Yireo^Robin^Wc^od Thrush/Yellow-breasted Chat,4daryland Yellow-throat, Jied-breasted Nuthatch^ Savanna Sparrow^Soiig Sparrow, Sea-si'.e Sparrow, and Sharp-tai 1 ed Sparrow.

2. Food. At the present time Wigeon Grass (Ruppia mar­itime) is tne most abundant food plant on the refuge area. Some areas have small stands of "Three Square" (Scirpus rob-ustus) and other species of bulrush.

The only food in the salt water bays and coves is the Sea-letxuce, locally known as Brant Salad, (Ulva lactuca). This i s eaten to a great extent by the Brant,and to a lesser degree by the Canada Goose and Black Duck, when taken by waterfowl i t renders their flesh unpalatable.

^ Diseases. There were no signs of botulism or other diseases in any species of bird on the refuge. A number of carcasses and a few l i v i n g individuals of scoter, loons, and grebes were found a l ng the ocean front that were o i l soaked.

B. Upland Game Birds* There are no species of upland game birds, except the Mourning Dove, found anywhere on the refuge.

C. Big Game Animals. 1, Population. There are approximately 12 Wliite-tailed,

or Virginia, Deer on the refuge. These ani als are seldom seen but their tracks are quite numerous in places.

2* ^ood and Cover. Until a type map for the refuge has been completed the extent of cover cannot be stated. However, the lack of fresh water in hot weather would have as great effect on the deer population as the cover available.

3. Dieease. There was no indication of any disease in the deer on the area.

D. Fur Animals, Predators, Hodents, and Other Animals. With the exception of small rodents and the reptiles thereaare only four animals that would come under this group. To date there has not been sufficient study of these to show the ecological value of each. /

1. Red Fox. This animal is very abundant on the whole of Assateague Island, While they may not be a serious menace on the refuge at the present time i t is quite possible that control measures may be needed later.

2. Raccoon. The raccoon is common on the area but due to a lack of large timber is not l i k e l y to increase very rapidly or become a raenaoe to other w i l d l i f e .

* Cottontail Rabbit. This animal i s probably the most common of the larger animals on the refuge. They very l i k e l y furnish most of the food of the foxes.

y 4. Muskrat. The imiskrat population on the refuge is very

small. This animal was f a i r l y common u n t i l the summer of 1942. The extremely dry Y^eather of this summer k i l l e d or drove out most of these animals. The few that are l e f t are found in the area from Ragged Point to Popes Island.

5. Rodents. No survey has been made as to the species or numbers of small rodents on the refuge.

6« Reptiles. As in the case of the rodents no survey has been made covering these animals. The following species have been found on the area; Black Snake, Garter Snake, Water Snake, Hog-nosed Snake, Snapping Turtle, Trunk Turtle, Loggerhead Turtle, Musk Turtle, Box Turtle, Painted Turtle, Spotted Turtle, and the common lizard.

1 # rreuaceous Birds. Mr. Clark has a l i s t of these birds in his narrative report. Those species seen during this period are; Turkey Sulture, Bald i i a g l ^ Cooper WMi, Duck Kawk, Short-eared Owl, Long-eared Owl, Marsh Hawk, Co won Crow,</and Fish Crow. /

F. Fish. The only fish on the refuge proper are the minnows in the small ponds,

III. REFUGE DEVELOPIvISNT MAIHTSNANCB

The only' development has been the erection of boundary markers along most of the area.

IV. EGOMOMIG USE OF THE REFUGE

Since the t i t l e to the lands passed to the Government two Special Use Permits have been issued for use of parts of the refuge. One for grazing was issued to ..;yle Hftddos of Chinco­teague to graze horses and cattle on part of the area.

A second permit was issued to J, S. Fruitt of Franklin City, Virginia, for the cultivation and harvesting of oysters on certain parts of Tomfs and Fyke's Coves.

The fees for these permits amounted to |633.31,

V. PUBLIC RELATIONS

Hecreational. No recreational use has been made of the area during this period,

Befuge Visitors. The refuge had five o f f i c i a l visitors during this period. Dr. Paul S. Galtsoff was on the area October 27. On November 12, 13, and 14 Dr, David Frey and Refuge Manager John F. Herholdt were engaged in oyster investigations on the area, William T. Exummes and Refuge Manager C. .V. Wallace v i s ­ited the refuge on November 30.

C. Hunting. No hunting was permitei on the refuge this period.

^ # "Violations. No violators were apprehended on the refuge this period.

J^hn H. Buckalew sfuge ^U.S, Game Management Agent

March 23, 1944

Form NR-1

Refuge hint o f

MIGRATORY BIRDS

Months of to 19U 1612

(1) Species

(2) First Observed

Became Common Peak Concentration

(5) Last Observed

(6) Young Produced

(7) Total

Common Name Number Date Date Number Date Number Date No. Broods Obsvd.

Avg. Size

Esti­mated Total

Number Using Refuge

Had*throated L<x>n

-rent Blaok-t*9h*d Gull

Herring Gal l

Ring-billad c u l l

Laasftlag Ouil

Bonaparte's Gull

Caaplan Tarn

/orstcr^a Tern

V.a^on .urn

Least Tom

I

1

1

EOC

2C

& 1ft in

11

27

9

Dimla:

B-

10-IB

10-18

10-ie

I In

lu-y-

10-9

10-18

oct.

v)Ct.

iQV.

uct.

ov.

Mpfean

->o$.

(jOt*

unly o m

15

obsc rve t l

2C()

150

f ' )V .

: ov.

OT.

MOT*

O O t .

10-9

Sept. I ' l i s .

9

9

1

10

10-V

10- 29

11- 14

11-27

10-18

30

15

7

3000

SCO

10

100

50

10

2U± REMARKS: (Pertinent Information.nob spec i f ica l ly requested)

INSTRUCTIONS

Form NR-1 - MIGRATORY BIRDS (Include species in families Gaviidae through Strigidaej also doves and aoodcocks)*

In case a resident form occurs, such as mottled duck on the*Gulf Coast, use only the columns that apply*

(1) SPECIES:

4

(2) FIRST OBSERVED:

(3) BECAME COMMON:

Use correct common names as found in the A.O.U. Check List, 1931 Edition, and list in A.O.U. order* General terms are to be avoided, such as "scaup", "teal", etc.; use "green-winged teal" or "lesser scaup"*

The first refuge record for the species during spring migration, fall migration, wintering, or summering, and the number observed. In the case of resident species this column may be disregarded*

The date the species became common on the refuge*

(4) PEAK CONCENTRATIONi The greatest number of the species present on any one date or limited interval of time.

(5) LAST OBSERVEDi

(6) YOUNG PRODUCED:

(7) TOTALi

The last refuge record for the species during the spring or fall migration, wintering, or summering, and the numbers observed exclusive of obvious cripples or non-migrants.

Estimated number of young produced based upon observations and actual counts on representative breeding areas. Brood counts should be made on two or more areas aggregating 10 of the breeding habitat. Estimates having no basis in fact are to be omitted.

Estimated total number of the species using the refuge during the period. This figure may or may not be more than that used for peak concentrations, depending upon the manner in which birds come through; i.e*, in waves or all at once. On refuges representing the terminus of the flight lane, the figures would probably be the same in many cases.

* Only columns applicable to the period covered should be used.

1612

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MIGBATOHt USDS

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Dowltobor

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* m n m

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Praaant at start and and of period

o

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8 8 t 8 8 3 8 8 naok-bolliau rlovar 8 Preeeat at atart of period. *; bora and date of deoairturo not reoordod. 8

8 I 8 8 t 3 8 3 8

ooiaaa Hamm 8 I 8 .10- ' i 8 3 8 8 3 1 t 8 l 8 8 3 t 8 8

aatai-palrsatad Florar i PreaeDt • e

at atart of period* tuabera and data ' * 0

of departure aet reoordod. 8

Piping lover 8 8 t *

8 m m «

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e a

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8 8 10~83 8 !

t 8 8 3 1 l • 8 8 Wilaoa«a Plover S • 8 it » | . 3 8 8 3 1

1 : 8 3 1 8 3 8 | Soddy Turn*tone i Proaent at atart of r?eriod. IMNHNI Mi ii n of departure aot raoorded* 3

t t 8 3 3 t 8 8 | OyaUr-catoher s Froaent at atart of period. Date of de^rture not reeofdefi: 1 8

1 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 t Mourning Dove 8 Hoaidaet 8 8 t 3 » « i «

t 8 3 i 8 J » 1 8 Turkey Vulture t Beeideet s t 1 8 1 « t 80

1 8 8 8 8 8 f 1 I Mareh Havk I Heeidoat : 8 t 8 1 8 s i n

8 t ! 8 8 8 8 8 1 Bali Kagle t S t I M ; earn ebeemtloa. s 1 1 3 8

1 8 8 8 8 8 1 8 1 Duok Hao^ 1 8 8 S4MI : Caly tvo pn went during tuia periods : 8 8

Form NR-4.

Chi

SMALL .. JflMALS

(i) Species

(2) Density

(3) Removals Disposition of Fur

(5)

Total

Popula­

tion

Common Name

a l y a&

Cover Types & Total

Acreage of Habitat

Acres Per

Animal

-p CO o I o o

Share Trapping

Permit Number

(0

« CO

at 03 •p f j

© ©

© £ (U H

a I ©

CO

lindauunainad as yat

Gottuatai' asblt

M M

REMARKS: 1 6 1 5

INSTRUCTIONS

Form NR-4 - SMALL MAMMALS (Include data on a l l species of importance in the management program? i.e., muskrats, beaver, coon, mink, coyote. Data on small rodents may be omitted except for estimated total population of each species considered in control operations.)

(1) SPECIES:

(2) DENSITY:

(3) REMOVALS:

(4) DISPOSITION OF FUR:

(5) TOTAL POPULATION:

REMARKS:.

Use correct common name. Example: Striped skunk, spotted skunk, short-tailed weasel, gray squirrel, fox squirrel, white-tailed jackrabbit, etc. (Accepted common names in current use are found in the "Field Book of North American Mammals11 by H. E. Anthony and the "Manual of the Vertebrate Animals of the Northeastern United States" by David Starr Jordan. "List of North American Recent Mammals" by G. S. Miller, Jr., a very good ref^ronc*, is now out of print, although a revision i s scheduled for publication in the near future.)

Applies particularly to those species considered in removal programs (public hunts, etc.) Detailed data may be omitted for species occurring in limited numbers. Density to be expressed in acres per animal by cover types. This information is to be prefaced by a statement from the refuge manager as to the number of acres in each cover type found on the refuge; once submitted, this information need not be repeated except as significant changes occur in the area of cover types. Cover types should be detailed enough to furnish the desired information but not so much as to obscure the general picture. Examples: spruce swamp, upland hardwoods, reverting agriculture land, bottom land hardwoods, short grass prairie, etc. Standard type symbols listed in WLldlife Management Series No. 7 should be used ifhere possible. Figures sub­mitted should be based on actual observations and counts on representative sample areas. Survey method used and size of sample area or areas should be indicated under Remarks.

Indicate the total number under each category removed since April 30 of the previous year. Also show any removals not falling under heading listed.

On share-trapped furs l i s t the permit number, trapper^ share, and refuge shard Indicate the number of pelts shipped to market and the total income to the refuge by species, including share-trapped furs and furs taken by Service personnel. Total number of pelts of each species destroyed because of un-primness or damaged condition, and furs donated to institutions or other agencies should be shown in the column provided.

Estimated total population of each species reported on as of April 30.

Indicate inventory method(s) used, size of sample area(s), introductions, and any other pertinent information not specifically requested.

1615

Refuge

HAYING Al GRAZING

Ohinooteague Year 1943, smpt. I to Dec. 31.

i

Permltee JjlmlBkmoM. Chlaooteogue

Permit No, 9600

Unit or Location Traete 4 k

4*1

:

Totals; Acreage grazed 154S

Actual Acerage Utilized 1 4;

J i i m a l Use

months Period of Use

• I to Dec, 31

BftJtft. .15: flte.OO

: : : : :

: :

Animal use months 500 Total income grazing $125.00

1542 KM #125.00

•

U .S. DEPA RT^ ElttC F TH E ! HTFRI OR "rtSlTXirD WILLI (Ft SEf VICE

2 5 1944 tv OfFICfc Of REG SOMA;. iJirttl 'Of