Jonathan Priday, 10/08/2008, Eastern Neck NWR, Chesapeake Marshlands NWR Complex staff replacing aged/disfunctional screw gate (water control) with drop-board structure.

Chesapeake Marshlands NWR Complex staff have completed a seven acre wetland restoration and enhancement project to increase Eastern Neck NWR's utilization by migratory shorebirds and waterfowl.  The goal was to restore one drained, forested, wetland which was constructed prior to USFWS acquisition of Eastern Neck Island.  In particular, the wetland's water control structure was aged, nonfunctional and in need of rehabilitation. 

Common waterfowl species that will benefit the greatest from this wetland restoration project are Mallard, Wood Duck, Green-winged Teal, Gadwall, Northern Pintail, American Wigeon, American Black Duck, Northern Shoveler and Canada goose.  These species use shallow flooded wetlands in and around Eastern Neck NWR for roosting, loafing, and foraging during fall migration, wintering, and spring staging.  Moderate production of wood ducks has been quantified in recent years, partially as a result of the implementation of the Maryland Wood Duck Initiative, a volunteer effort that is focused on the Chester River / Kent County Waterfowl Focus Area of BCR 30.  

The project area is located within Bird Conservation Region 30 (BCR 30) of the North American Bird Conservation Initiative.  BCR 30 priorities are focused on coastal, marine, beach, and wetland habitats, and emphasize the need for seasonal wetland habitats to provide migration and wintering habitat for migratory shorebirds and waterfowl.  This wetland restoration project will support habitats and species listed in BCR 30 by restoring and enhancing shallow marsh and moist soil habitats for shorebirds and waterfowl.

Of the priority nongame bird species listed in BCR 30, this wetland restoration will also benefit the following species: American Bittern, Greater Yellowlegs, Semipalmated Sandpiper, Spotted Sandpiper, American Woodcock, Marsh Wren, and Sedge Wren.  The vegetative response to restored hydrology on this shallow wetland project site will provide for a diversity of wetland vegetation.  This restored wetland will have proper and planned water level management, to maximize the benefits to migratory birds.

Planned and natural drawdowns will provide mudflat conditions for various shorebird species including Greater Yellowlegs, Lesser Yellowlegs, Spotted Sandpiper, Semi-palmated Sandpiper, Least Sandpiper, and Dunlin.  Scrub-shrub and forest cover associated with wetland transitional habitats will provide habitat for American Woodcock.