MR. KRUMMKS i) j /Pa Mr.^Ball - FWS

ROUTING SLIP

MR. SALTER

i.IR • Eli.IER

MR. KRUMMKS

DIVISIQi; OF WILDLIPE REFUGES DATE; June 3 194 6

SECTION OF HABITAT IMFROVEMEHT:

" ̂//

^i) j /Pa

Mr

^>"3

Miao—errok C»

SECTION OF OPERATIONS:

Mr• Regan

Mr.^Ball

Hiss Baum

^SECTION OF LAND iAFAGSIENT: -Kerrb^ / /

Mr. -SrmrtPMrfi

ur. tinrrmrfc

SECTION OF STRUCTURES;

l i&r Taylxor * C. : ' / Q

STENOGRjlPHERS;

RE ARKS;

PARKER RIVER NATIONAL HIDLIFB REFUGE

JANUARY - APRIL 19-46

NARRATIVE REPORT AM) ANNUAL SUMMARY OF ACTIVITIES

Return to; MISS COOK

11528

PAIOR RITER NATIONAL WILDLIFS OTUGS

NEWBURIPORT, MASSACHUSETTS

NARRATIVE REPORT

Jamaary 1 to April 30,

I

REFU GE P ERSONNEL

Watson 1. 3eed Refuse Manager Edward Addy Biologist Sldred Stanwood Patrolman Zhz-abeiii ?! (?o x. CItrk- SIfnoej^apht*

PARKER RIVER NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE

NARRATIVE REPORT

January, February, March, and April, 19U6

I General

A Weather Conditions •

Precipitation Total Snowfall

Temperature Maximum Minimum

December 7.^2 2H,h January ^.IS 9.S February 3.00 9,S March 1#50 0.2 April 2.b2 1.5

57° y -3O F 59° y k0 T? S50 F 2U0 F bb0 F 2k0 F

52o F SO© F

B Water Qonditions

Marshes aud streams remained frozen over during January and February, A few of the salt marsh areas toward the southern end of Plum Island were kept open by tides. Early in March all ice melted on the streams and marshes. Spring run-off was normal.

No accidental fires occurred on any refuge lands during the past four months. The Cross Farm was burned to destroy brush and to permit easier clearance of the larger trees. Some marsh and a little upland on Plum Island was burned experimentally by Mr, Addy.

A Migratorv Birds

1 Population and Behavior A flock of 9 Canada geese were seen on the refuge on Jan

uary 15, and occasionally during February, On March 5 the number of Canada geese had increased to 150, The number of geese using the refuge remained ouite constant with at least 150 individuals present on May 1, Canada geese were most often seen just north of the Plum Island unit in the vicinity of the Plum Island Bridge road and on the Joppa flats. Scattered flocks also used the refuge proper, especially the northern part. Many migrant flocks of Canada geese were observed during latter March and early April moving north. Few of these flocks stopped on the refuge to rest and feed,

•U. S. Weather Bureau, Boston (Logan Airport)

C Fires

II Wildlife

Following the "breaking up of the ice in Plum Island River and Sound, and in Parker River, the wintering flock of "black ducks broke up into pairs and soon dispersed by migrating northwa-rd, or by moving out to fresh water ponds# Many individual pairs of black ducks were seen feeding in small fresh water ponds immediately following the melting of the ice. Small flocks of black ducks of from 10 to 30 individuals were occasionally seen on the refuge during April, Perhaps these small flocks were migrating birds that had wintered farther south.

The first pintails were seen on March 5t but the numbers were very small and their stop here was brief. Mallards and green-winged teal were few and only a few dozen of. each species were seen,

Ooldeneyes, oldscuaw, greater scaup, and red-breasted mergansers were common, during the past four months. Considerable flocks of each species were seen feeding in the Merrimac Rives in Plum Island River, and at times in the Plum Island Sound, All the above-mentioned dudes became fewer during April which would indicate migration at that time.

Herring gulls were ouite common throughout the period, A few great black-backed gulls are winter residents on the refuge and do, on occasion, kill and eat black ducks that may be weakened from any cause. A few Bonaparte gulls showed up during Auril,

, / One Brunnichs murre was picked up alive on the shore of Plun

Island smeared with oil, but soon died. Several small flocks of dovekies were seen in Plun Island Sound during April, and a few were found dead on the southern part of Plum Island, Gannets were often seen off the north shore of PI tan Island,

Woodcock were censussed on a mile transect on the Downfall area. The average number of peanting and singing males was- about 7 for each test,

Creat blue herons in moderate numbers arrived in March. Black-

crowned night herons congregate in a small marsh on Plum Island

and indicate by this congregation that they may nest there, but

there is no evidence of nesting this last year. Little green herons

are quite coraraony. Crows^are winter residents here. The yellow-

shafted flicker^is very coraraon on all rafuge areas. The song sparrow

is the most abundant bird here during March and April with nice

sprinklings of juncos^ fox spar rows, ̂ chipping sparrows,"^ vesper spar

rows; and white-throated sparrows, v

2 Food and Cover During middle January ice fonned over most of the salt marshes

and creeks. This ice effectively prevents marsh feeding of the "black duck. Two creeks. Bluffs and Pine, remained open and some of the marsh on each side of these creeks. Black ducks took advantage of these areas to feed, Mr. Addy reported that "black ducks lost much weight during the freeze-up *hich would indicate that this "bird gets much or most of his winter food from the open salt marshes and ponds. Cover conditions for waterfowl on salt marshes during the winter are poor. Vegetation starts early on the salt marshes and by April 15 sane green vegetation is available for waterfowl food,

B Upland Gnme Birds

1 Population and Behavior The ring-necked pheasants on Plum Island have shown no increase

over last year, but have maintained their nunbers. It is estimated that at least 50 live on the southern three-fourths of Plun Island,

Ho ruffed grouse were seen on any part of the refuge areas. This, of course, does not prove the birds entirely absent,

2 Food and Cover Cover conditions on Plum Island are good for pheasants. The

thickets of beach plums, bayberries, aspen, and birdh,- in some cases interwoven with green briar, form excellent protective cover. Sane of the tall grasses and even the edges of the salt marsh offer roosting cover during periods of low tide. Sane of the fruits of shrubs and vines dry on the stems and are available even during periods of deep snow.

Food and cover for ruffed grouse is abundant on the Downfall and Crs-ne Pond areas

C Big Game Animals

1 Population and Behavior The white-tailed deer on Plm Island have become quite tame

and rarely take fri^it. There has been no increase in the Plum Island deer, but there is some evidence that deer do travel to and from the south part of the Island to the mainland during low tide,

2 Food and Cover Food and cover is adequate, - There is some feeding on red

cedar and during the winter the deer regularly paw out and eat bearberry bushes.

^ fftir Animals, Predators, Bodents and Other Kammals

Bed foxes are overly ahnndant on Pltsn Island and on other refuge areas* A low price for fox pelts has prevented most fox hunting* This has "been a deciding factor in the present oveiv population, Seduction of the nnmbers of foxes would contribute to an increase in upland ^me.

Muskrat and mink populations are very low, in some degree at least due to past over-trapping.

The labbit population is low on all areas* There is a moderate to heavy population of meadow mice, white-footed mice, and shrews of the genus So rex, Woodchucks are not uncommon. There are a few weasels and skunks. Few harbor seals were seen during the past four months, but it is reported that they follow the fish into the sounds and harbors during warmer weather,

S Predaceous Birds

J Two bald eagles freouented the Plum Island unit during the past

four months. A few/rou^i-1 egged hawks ^ere present. Cooper's^nd sharp-shinned hawks arrived in middle March and some are evidently going to nest here. Sparrow hawks^re common. Snowy owls^were quite common during the winter with at least six on Plum Island, These owls eat some weakened black ducks and one of the wild Canada geese which escaped from the holding pen at the old Audubon headouarters was killed and partly eaten by a snowy owl. At least one snowy owl was present on Plun Island as late as April 30* A. few great-homed ' owls can be heard hunting at night, but none have been seen.

Ill Hefuge Development and Maintenance

A Physical Development

Physical development of this refuge has lagged because of the unsettled status and lade of equipment. The road on the west side of the dunes on Plum Island has been made passable to the Cross Farm for trucks. The Audubon headquarters is being remodelled into a biological laboratory or patrolman's quarters, and is about half finished, ISae Cross Fam, formerly abandoned, has been cleared of brush and trees and at present is almost entirely plowed. Seeding will be done soon, A small stop log control dam constructed of Wakefield piling was made to control the water level and give water circulation to control algae, A series of salt marsh ponds were connected with ditches and by manipulation of the control logs, the water levels and water circulation can be varied. Widgeon grass grows well in all the shallower salt marsh ponds and it is believed increased and prolonged circulation will

prevent the excessive growth of algae which at times kills, or at least greatly reduces the growth of widgeon grass.

All preliminary work on the goose pen has been done, and actual construction will take only a few days.

XV Economic Uses of the Refuge

(The economic uses on this refuge are few and would consist of haying, grazing, wood and timber cutting, but due to the unsettled status of final ownership, few commitments have been made. Without question when final settlement is made, the reclaiming of fa.rm and pasture lands that ha-ve been abandoned will be a decided advantage to the community and to wildlife.

Wild fruit gathering will continue under free use permit to insure proper distribution. 5?his will prevent commercialization, prevent criticism, and insure public accord.

V Research

A Duck Banding The research program on this refuge is under the direction

of Mr, C. E, Addy and his progress reports are made to the Research Division,

About 1500 black ducks were banded during the past four months.

B Plant ings

Mr. Addy has been conducting planting experiments with the more desirable aquatic plants of the salt marsh and many experimental quadrat plantings have been made.

VI Public Relations

Public relations, "one of our major problems", has progressed slowly with a resentment that is unreasonable, unjust, false, unethical, and entirely unscrupulous. Our greatest supporters are ex-service men who feel that the opportunity for work has been stolen from them while they were away fitting in the past war.

Talks have "been given and wildlife movies shown to the Men's Club of the Central Congregational church of Mewhuiyport. the Men's Fellowship Club of Rowley, and to the Loyal Order of Moose Lodge of Hewhuryport, and to the Lowell Sportsmen's Club of Lowell, Massachusetts. Many local residents have been contacted and some progress has been made, but the constant efforts of the opposition plus an unfavorable press makes the job difficult indeed.

Refuge visitors during the past four months were as follows:

Mr. Albert M. Pay Dr. Clarence Cottam Mr. John Pearce Mr. M. E. Markwood Mr. Harold Regan Mr. Snnio Abbiati Mr. ELraond Radway Mr. Orrin Steele Mr. David Aylward Mr. Milton Boyd Mr, Charlee Richardson

Direct or Assistant Director Regional Director Administrative Officer Refuge Division Division of Lands Division of Lands Game Management

Indian Service Sportsman

Chicago Chicago Boston Boston Chicago Boston Boston Plymouth Peabody Minneapolis Hewburyport

Watson 1. Beed Refuge Manager

May 9. 19^

Approved:

Regional Refuge Supervisor Date

«K

Magsgftpor*

Reflate,, RJyer. Seftaga. Months of Jann^ry thru April 19U6

15) * (X)

Variety

|

On Hand Beginning Of Period

(3)

Received Baring

Period

m

fotal Transferred

T

W7

Hmd ' Kad Of

Seeded' Fed' Total' Period 1 1 1 1 « 1 • t »6#50(3 » *

6#500« »

lt500 lhA f

l t t 1 t • « t 1 » t *

t 1 t « l » 1 1 1 • 1 1 1 « 1 i • » 1 1 « t 1 « » t « 1 » » t t t t t 1 t • 1 « 1 «« t 1 « » t 1 i 1 « 1 « 1 1 1

Com 2,000 11>«. 6,000 lbs 8,000

(8) Indicate shipping or collection points local grain company

(9) Grain is stored at Safford Place

(10) Remarks Grain is used for Suck handing

Form SR-2 LX UPLAND GAME BIRDS Q 1"'

Refuge Patker Biver Ifonths of Jgauary to AprU y

. (1) ^ Species

(2) Density

(3) Young

Produced

U) Sex Ratio

(5) Removals

(6) Total

(7) Remarks

Common Name Cover types, total acreage of habitat

Acres per Bird Nu

mber

broods

obs^d.

Estimated

Total

Percentage Hunting

For Re

stocking

For

Research

Estimated number using Refuge

Pertinent information not specifioally requested. List introductions here.

Rlng-neckel Pheasant 1,000 acres 20

*

5) Estimated by Kr, Addy and Mr, nwood

o INSTRUCTIONS

Form NB-2 - UPLAND GAME BIRDS.*

(1) SPECIES;

(2) DENSITY;

Use correct common name.

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. Examplesi spruce swamp, upland hardwoods, reverting agriculture land, bottomland hardwoods, short grass prairie, etc. Standard type symbols listed in Midlife Management Series -No. 7 should be used where 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.

(3) YOUNG PRODUCED; Estimated number of young produced, based upon observations and actual counts in representative breeding habitat.

U) SEX RATIO;

(5) REMOVALS!

(6) TOTAL;

(7) REMARKS;

This column applies primarily to wild turkey, pheasants, etc. Include data on other species if available.

Indicate total number in each category removed during the report period.

Estimated total number using the refuge during the report period. This may include resident birds plus those migrating into the refuge during certain seasons.

Indicate method used to determine population and area covered in survey. Also include other pertinent information not specifically requested.

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

1613

Form NR-3 BIG GAME

Re^ge Parker Biyer Year 194 j;

. (1) Species

(2) Density

(3) Young

Produced

(4) Removals

(5) Losses

(6) Introductions

(7) Estimated

Total Refuge

Population as of Dbc. 31

(8) Sex Ratio

Common Name Cover types, total Acreage of Habitat Number

Hu

nti

ng

Fo

r R

est

ock

ing

So

ld

Fo

r R

esea

rch

Pre

dati

on

Dis

ease

Win

ter

Lo

sses

Num

ber Source

(7) Estimated

Total Refuge

Population as of Dbc. 31 Percentage

White-tailed Deer

Mixed Brash 1,000 acres

PIam Island only considered, Other an its of Eefage not censased

30 20^ males S0^ females

161

INSTRUCTIONS

Form NR-3 - BIG GAME

(1) SPECIES: Use correct common name; i.e., Mule deer, black-tailed deer, nhite-tailed deer. It is unnecessary to indicate sub-species such as northern or Louisiana white-tailed deer.

(2) DENSITY: Applies particularly to those species considered in removal programs (public hunts, etc.) exclusive of fenced herds. Detailed data may be omitted for species occuring 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, bottomland hardwoods, short grass prairie, etc. Standard type symbols listed in Midlife Management Series No. 7 should be used where 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. '

Estimated total number of young produced on refuge.

Indicate total number in each category removed during the year.

On the basis of known records or reliable estimates indicate total losses in each category during the year.

Indicate the number and refuge or agency from which stock was secured.

Give the estimated population of each species on the refuge as of December 31.

Indicate the percentage of males and females of each species as determined from field observations or through removals.

§

161V

(3) YOUNG PRODUCED:

U) REMOVALS:

(5) LOSSES:

(6) INTRODUCTIONS:

(7) TOTAL REFUGE POPULATION:

(8) SEX RATION:

Form NR-l MIGRATORY BIRDS

Refuge Months of Janu^. rsr to April "¥) 19^

1(12

(1) Species

(2) First Otgerved

, (3) Became Common

(U) Peak Concentration

(5) Last Ohserved

(6) Young Produced

(7) Total

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

Avg. Size

Estimated Total

Number Using Refuge

Double-created Corrmox^nt Great Blue Heron Green Heron Black-crowned Nitfht Heron Amencan Bittern

Goose Atlantic Brant Great Show Goo«® Mallard Blade Duck Pintail Green-winged Teal liue»91ig0d Teal Wood Dude Greater Sc* up American Golden eye Oldeauaw White-winged Scoter Red-breasted Merganser Sharp-shinned Hawk Cooper*« I&wk lofogh—1 eg ed Hawk

Winters

Winters Winters Winters

10 12 6

aoo 3

mo 75

,000 12 100

6 25

5)0 5)0 300 ?5

5oo 16

22 20

6 250C 300

3 15

6ooo 15

250 6

3 ̂2000 2000 1200

25 600 50 15 %

REMARKS: (Pertinent information.not specifically requested)

Woodcock and Wood Duck considered for entire Eefogs arest other birds for Plum Island only.

— V ...,,—

| • • • • ^ : -• ••:•'. :::M?' ? •; .. i • ^

INSTRUCTIONS

Form NR-1 - MIGRATORY BIRDS (Include species in families Gaviidae through Strigidae; also doves and "woodcocks)*

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

(1) SPECIES:

(2) FIRST OBSERVED;

(3) BECAME COMMON:

Use correct coimnon 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 "scaup11, "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 CONCENTRATION: The greatest number of the species present on any one date or limited interval of time.

(5) LAST OBSERVED: 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.

(6) YOUNG PRODUCED: 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.

(7) TOTAL: 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.


1612

Form NR-1 MIGRATORY BIRDS

Refuge Prx er Hlvffr Months of J pwxr> r:' t0 fi'. ^

1612

(1) Species

(2) First Observed

. ( 3 ) Became Common


(5) Last Otserved

(6) Young Produced

(7) Total

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

Avg. Size

Estimated Total

Number Using Refuge

Bald Sstgl* Marsh Ha«k Osprey Sparrow Baik Killdeer Woodcock Upland Plover Greater Yollowla^ Bladr-badced Gull Herring 0^11 Mourning Dove Great Horned Owl Snowy 0*1 Belted Ilngfisher Flicker Phoebe Horned Laxfc Tree Swallow Blue Jay Eastern Crow Black-capped Chickadee Robin

Winters Winters

Winters

Winters Winters Winters

10 1 6 6

30 6 12 15

1000 15

2 6 k

50 12

100 to 1

5o 15 25

2 50 2 12 ID

1000 6

12 15

1500 20 2 12

6 500

20 200 1000

U 60 15 50

REMARKS: (Pertinent information.nob specifically requested) Woodcock and Wood Duck considered for entire Refuge Areaf other birds for Plum Island only.

INSTRUCTIONS

Form NR-1 - MIGRATORY BIRDS (Include species in families Gaviidae through Strigidae; also doves and woodcocks)*

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

(1) SPECIES:

(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".




(5) LAST OBSERVED:

(6) YOUNG PRODUCED:

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.

(7) TOTAL: 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.


1612

?onn NR-1 MIGRATORY BIRDS

Refuge Months of *0 April p *

1612

(1) Species

(2) First Oh served

. ( 3 5 Became Common


(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

Northern ShrMc® Myrtle Waibler Yello« Palm Warbler Meadowlatfc Red-winged Blac^lrd Bronzed Giacfcle Cowbird Savannah Sparrow Tesp- r Sparrow Jon co Troe Sparrow Chipping Sparrow Field Sparrow White-throated Sparrow Fox Sparrow Swig Sparrow LsPlaad Loagspar Snow Banting

Winters b-

15 k

5cx) my 12

Wintere 2D -00 ^00

$ 6 10

150 100 5o

500

10 k) 25 12

ik® 5oo 130 k®

20 k® 800 2« 15 20

300 250 75

5oo

REMARKS: (Pertinent information.nab specifically requested)

Woodcock and Wood IKiok considered for wit Ire Refuge ares, other birds for Plum Island only,

INSTRUCTIONS

Form NR-1 - MIGRATORY BIRDS (include species in families Gaviidae through Strigidae; also doves and •woodcocks)*

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

(1) SPECIES:

(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 terras are to be avoided, such as "scaup", "teal", etc.; use "green-winged teal" or "lesser scaup".




(5) LAST OBSERVED:

(6) YOUNG PRODUCED;

(7) TOTAL:

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.


DEPT. OF THE iNTtfiOR^ flSH AN1) WILDLIFE SERVICE

R E C E I V E D

J U L - 5 1 9 4 6

^

1612

Form NR-4. I

SMALL MAMMALS

Refuge F&gtesr Siver April 30, 1946

(1) Species

Comnion Name

(2) Density

Cover T^pes & Total

Acreage of Habitat

Acres Per Animal

(3) Removals

% •H -P

-P CO <D hi

ll

XI o

<D Lt (0 ss

U ) Disposition of Fur

Share Trapping

Permit Number

to u 0) ft © S4 h si

© ©

© ftj CO

© -d

^ 9*

a n •p L S £

o o g1! P Q S5

•§

I S w

! to s m

(5)

Total

Popula

tion

Fox (red)

MuLBkr^t

Mink

Meadow House

WhHotfooted Mouse

Jumping Mouee

Shrew (Sorex apt)

Woodcfcmok

€s#OOC» acres Brushy sand dmes

Tery rare $alt# !la rsh

Yery rare

Abundant

Abundant \

Carton m Cross Far:

Abundant

Fairly comnon

300

100

1,000

2 20

25

10

REMARKS: two good fox skins taken as Oovernment'a share. Four Inferior skins to trapper. 1615

INSTRUCTIONS

Form NR-4 - SMALL MAMMALS (include data on all 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 t

(2) DENSITIs

(3) REMOVALS!

(4) DISPOSITION OF FUR:

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 Mammals" 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 refqrencA, is now out of print, although a revision is 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 Wildlife Management Series No. 7 should be used where 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 list the permit number, trapper^ share, and refuge share, 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.

(5) TOTAL POPULATION: Estimated total population of each species reported on as of April 3 / 'tH,

REMARKS! Indicate inventory method(s) used, size of samplt any other pertinent information not specifically

le area(s), introductions, and ~ requested.

1615

PABKER RItSR NATICHAL WILSLIEE REFUGE

AUHUAL SUI'.S.lARY

19^5

The acquisition of lands on Parker River Refuge has "been suspended pending final settlement of controversial issues, A few parcels of land were acquired "by stipulation.

The unsettled land status also interfered with the economic use of the refuge. Most of the land is not adapted for agricultural use, and farming and pasturing of refuge lands was very little.

The Cross parra on Plum Island has "been reclaimed and plowed. Crops for the hirds to harvest will he planted. Experimental plantings of sections of the salt marsh to desirable aquatics has been made.

The entire refuge has been posted with blue goose and warning signs. This posting is not complete and is in some instances only of a skeleton nature.

Extensive biological observations and research has been done by Mr, C, 1. Addy, Biologist on the black duck, 1500 were banded on the Plum Island unit. Studies on seasonal weights of the birds were also made. Desirable aquatic plant seeds were gathered and used in experimental plantings, A collection of the skins of small mammals on the refuge was started, and skins were made of shrews, meadow mice, and white-footed mice.

One of the important jobs on Parker River is public relations and some progress has been made against the bitter opposition to the refuge. This was accomplished by public contacts, the use of Service movies and the use of common sense in dealing with the public.

MR. KRUMMKS i) j /Pa Mr.^Ball - FWS

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