Survey Method: Ground Surveys Within Two Hours of High Tide

Scituate

Description: Scituate is an estuary system at the confluence of the North and South Rivers. The site is composed mainly of salt marsh, tidal flats and sand beaches. There is residential development along the coastline and the U.S. Air Force operates a recreation area on Fourth Cliff. Survey areas include the spit and tidal flats of Rivermoor, or Third Cliff, which overlook the North and South Rivers Marsh. This area has good visibility. Access to Third Cliff is by car, but parking must be arranged with the Town of Scituate.

Another survey area at this site is Fourth Cliff, across the North and South Rivers inlet. The recreation area here is closed to non-U.S. Navy personnel. Shorebirds can be seen on Fourth Cliff with the use of a scope from Third Cliff, but not identified. Surveyors should attempt to estimate shorebird numbers on Fourth Cliff to see if it is being heavily used. Periodic surveys of Fourth Cliff may be possible with U.S. Navy permission if the area becomes an important shorebird hotspot.

The International Shorebird Survey (ISS) records provided the maximum counts for species at Third Cliff and the North and South Rivers sites:

Third Cliff: DUNL (2,750), GRYE (30), LESA (1,000), REKN (2,800), RUTU (200), SEPL (1,081), SESA (5,000).

North and South Rivers: DUNL (155), LESA (31), SEPL (55), SESA (336).

Survey Method: Ground surveys within two hours of high tide.

Selection Bias: Surveyors should try to estimate shorebird numbers on Fourth Cliff to determine if it is attracting birds from accessible survey areas within Third Cliff.

Measurement error: Access restrictions may preclude surveys on Fourth Cliff, where small shorebirds such as peeps are not identifiable with a scope.

Measurement bias: Periodic surveys of Fourth Cliff should be arranged with U.S. Navy personnel to mitigate any bias resulting from any increase in shorebirds using this area.

Pilot Studies: None needed.

Local Contacts: Andrea Jones, Mass Audubon Coastal Waterbird Program