Summary

Description

Wintering snow goose populations have increased dramatically in the vicinity of Bombay Hook National Wildlife Refuge during the last 20 years. Peak populations have risen from 1,500 in 1968 to over 198,000 in 1997. The birds concentrate their feeding activities in a relatively small portion of the refuge salt marshes and create eatouts, areas of marsh stripped of vegetation, following their feeding activities. Beginning with the 198384 season the refuge opened portions of the marshes to public snow goose hunting. Since it was noted that most damage occurred shortly after the birds arrived in October, a special early hunt was permitted prior to the regular State waterfowl season beginning in 198788 which has continued since that time. With the advent of snow goose hunting in Bombay Hooks marshes changes in the birds use patterns on Bombay Hook and surrounding areas were noted. Concentrations of the birds began using Prime Hook National Wildlife Refuge, the Little Creek Wildlife Management Area, as well as private lands to the west into Marylands eastern shore. This study was proposed to documentand monitor the habitat preferences, population fluctuations, and vegetation changes associated with the snow goose flocks in the Bombay Hook Area.