Monomoy and South Beach
Description: Monomoy National Wildlife Refuge and South Beach are located on the elbow of Cape Cod. Monomoy NWR is property of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. The refuge is composed of two barrier islands; North and South Monomoy and a small section of mainland on Morris Island. South Beach is the southern end of the Cape Cod National Seashore, which is managed by the National Park Service. There is public access to both sites, but only Morris Island and South Beach are accessible by ground. North and South Monomoy Islands are accessible only by boat, either by ferry service when in season or by private boat.
The habitat at Monomoy and South Beach includes sand beaches and dunes, salt and freshwater marshes, and tidal flats. The primary survey areas include: the west side of North Monomoy Island, the north end of South Monomoy Island and South Beach. In addition, the Powder Hole area at the South end of South Monomoy should be surveyed periodically. Visibility is excellent at all survey areas.
The International Shorebird Survey (ISS) records provided the maximum counts for species at North Monomoy and South Beach:
North Monomoy: AMOY (150), BBPL (5,000), DUNL (4,00), GRYE (500), LEYE (300), LESA (4,000), REKN (3,000), RUTU (500), SAND (5,000), SESA (8,000), SEPL (2,000), and WRSA (250).
South Beach: AMOY (110), BBPL (2,400), DUNL (2,500), GRYE (80), LEYE (15), LESA (50), REKN (1,800), RUTU (100), SAND (2,800), SBDO (800), SEPL (1,900), SESA (2,000), WHIM (20), WRSA (400).
Survey Method: Access to survey areas by boat. Although South Beach is connected to the mainland, access to the shorebird area is easiest by boat. Ground surveys should be conducted within one-two hours of high tide. South Beach and North Monomoy are extensive enough and have so many shorebirds that each area may require an entire survey period. Whimbrels roost on North Monomoy at night and a special permit must be obtained from the USFWS office to visit North Monomoy after sunset. At very high tides the Whimbrel flocks may roost on South Beach.
Selection Bias: Much of South Monomoy is closed to non-USFWS personnel and some areas, such as Powder hole at the South end of the island are important shorebird feeding and roosting areas. This bias could be mitigated by periodic surveys of Powder Hole by refuge personnel or with refuge permission.
Measurement error: Negligible. At high tide all shorebirds should be identifiable.
Measurement bias: Not applicable.
Pilot Studies: None needed.
Local Contacts: Monomoy NWR Staff
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