Monomoy National Wildlife Refuge in Chatham, Massachusetts, provides stopover habitat for tens of thousands of shorebirds representing 24 species during migration.   In recognition of the importance of the refuge's intertidal mudflats and associated saltmarsh as stopover habitat for shorebirds, the refuge was designated a Western Hemisphere Shorebird Reserve Network site of Regional Importance in 1999.  However, no quantitative studies have assessed the abundance, spatial distribution, or habitat use of migratory shorebirds at the refuge.  The refuge also hosts large numbers of visitors including birders, boaters, sunbathers, fishermen and shell-fishermen during peak shorebird use periods.  Public use has not been quantitatively investigated and refuge staff are interested in potential overlap in habitat use between migratory shorebirds and visitors.  Research funded by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, University of Rhode Island and National Science Foundation will 1) quantify the spatial distribution, abundance, and phenology of shorebirds using the refuge throughout the migration period and identify influential natural parameters; 2) assess the spatial distribution, abundance, and phenology of potential anthropogenic disturbances and; 3) quantify shorebird responses to anthropogenic disturbances. 

The 2007 field season marked the third year of data collection for this project.  During the 2007 field season (April - November) five biological technicians were on-site to assist the lead wildlife biologist with much of the data collection nearly every day.  The spatial distribution and abundance of shorebirds were documented through repeated surveys at 25 permanent survey sites (also used in 2005 and 2006 to allow comparisons).  Over 700 surveys were conducted and over 35,000 shorebirds were counted.  In addition, all locations of red knots (a high priority species that consistently used areas outside of our survey sites) were mapped.  Surveys documenting public use were conducted on most days and nearly 1000 visitors were recorded (location and activity) in the study area.  Shorebird responses to public presence were measured in three different ways in 2007.  First, minimum approach disturbance distances were quantified for 11 different shorebird species, differentiating between adults and juveniles to determine if "naïve" juveniles respond differently.  Second, surveys of shorebirds were conducted around recently shellfished areas to determine if these patchy spots of benthic disturbance are attracting foraging shorebirds.  Third, behavioral observations of select species were conducted near and far from shellfished areas, in an attempt to determine if foraging success is higher in areas of benthic disturbance.  Data analysis for this project will be completed in 2008.